Food
Why Should We Look at Food Sustainably?
Sustainable dietary choices aren't always choosing chicken over beef. For the more than 820 million malnourished people in the world today, sustainable food development means access and availability to high-quality, nutritious food for future generations. Making sustainable choices when eating, selecting, or producing our food enables us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, stimulate local economies, and advocate for the humane treatment of livestock, all while helping end world hunger. Plant forward diets and reducing food waste are some of the most impactful choices individuals can make to address climate change!
Tips for Food Sustainability
- Consider a more sustainable diet, such as veganism or vegetarianism, or opt for a flexitarian diet by replacing just a few of your meats/dairies with plant-based products
- Start practicing Meatless Mondays; have your family or hallmates join in for added fun and accountability!
- Consider your impact with grocery shopping by looking for locally grown, organic, Fair Trade, and sustainably sourced/raised items
- Grocery shop locally and eat seasonally in order to reduce your purchase's environmental footprint
- Get fresh, local wares at the Williamsburg Farmers Market, located on DoG Street, Saturdays from 8am-12pm
- Don't shy away from those "ugly" fruits and veggies, they taste just as good and can sometimes come with a reduced price!
- Join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), a program in which farmers offer a portion of their seasonal produce to consumers as part of a paid membership/subscription; farmers receive the benefit of farm investments and consumers receive the benefit of fresh, local produce!
- W&M Dining's local farm partner, KelRae Farm, offers a CSA program that would be perfect to split with a housemate or two
- Eat mindfully while reducing food waste by only preparing or taking what you know you will eat, whether at home or in the dining halls
- Get creative and use the whole product! Search for recipes to use your "scraps" like pumpkin seeds, banana peels, and broccoli stems
