Tufts Brings Green Ideas to the Table
Jordan BarAm of Oké Fair Trade demonstrates a bike-powered blender at Tufts’ Dewick-MacPhie Dining Hall.
– Allison Goldsberry
Though bike-powered blenders are not regular features of Tufts University’s dining halls, the school is pushing a number of green initiatives at the table to make dining hall cuisine more environmentally-friendly.
According to Dining Services Director Patty Klos, in addition to locally-grown food, Tufts offers 100% cage free liquid eggs from a local company run by a Tufts grad, fair trade bananas from Oké Fair Trade, organic granola, and fair trade coffee.Â
“My commitment is to put the best food on the students’ plates as possible,” said Klos.
Though organic and fair trade food is often more expensive, Klos said the extra cost doesn’t represent a higher than normal food bill for students because Tufts has balanced out the cost increase in other places in the $4 million it spends on food annually.
Klos said Tufts is especially committed to buying locally grown food whenever possible. This year in late September students will enjoy a Harvest Food Festival with apples and other seasonal produce from Lunenburg’s Lanni Orchards.
For the greenest fare possible Tufts Dining Services is partnering with several campus organizations, including the Tufts Office of Sustainability, Food Education and Action for Sustainability at Tufts (FEAST), the Fletcher School, and the Tufts Institute for the Environment.
“We’re promoting awareness of the connection between environmental philosophy and what we choose to eat. Usually food choices that are environmentally sound are also healthier for you in the long run. You can eat well and practice sustainability,†said Sarah Hammond Creighton, project manager for the Tufts Institute of the Environment.
More on green initiatives at Tufts…
Interactive “Green Map” highlights all things green, from buildings to landscaping to transportation.
Students purchase wind power for their dorm rooms
Tufts’ first green dorm, Sophia Gordon Hall