Food

UWaterloo Food Services has been a strong champion of implementing sustainability in their operations. There are lots of food and packaging waste reduction efforts underway as well, please visit Waste for more information.

Our food systems have a big impact on organizational sustainability, which is why the University has implemented the following programming:

Local food purchases

Food Services purchases as much food locally as possible, supporting the regional economy and minimizing the environmental impact from transporting food long distances.

Fair Trade

Look for the Fair Trade logo across campus to support sustainable purchasing!

Fair trade certified products have been made with the social and ecological principles of fair price and labour conditions, democracy and transparency, community development, and sustainability in mind.

Waterloo is proud to be a designated Fair Trade Campus, which meets the following criteria for all University and student-run coffee food outlets on campus:

• 100% of all coffee served is Fairtrade Certified
• At least 3 Fairtrade Certified teas are available, wherever teas are sold
• At least 1 Fairtrade Certified chocolate bar is available, wherever chocolate bars are sold
• Signage and marketing promotes fair trade products
• Waterloo hosts fair trade themed events and celebrations each year
• There is a university steering committee responsible for the designation and promotion of fair trade

You can find Fairtrade coffee, tea, and chocolate at all of the following locations across campus:

Visit Fairtrade Canada to learn more about the campus designation and which other campuses are participating.

Vegetarian and vegan options

Reducing the amount of meat you eat is beneficial to your finances, health and the environment. Animal food products are high in saturated fat and take a heavy toll on the environment.

Food Services is committed to preparing options that are vegetarian and vegan. Check out the wide variety of plant-based meals at Food Services locations! 

UW Farm Market

Want to buy great local food? Did you know there is an on-campus farmers’ market providing fresh, local produce and baked goods to students, faculty, and university
personnel?

Check out the Farm Market during June and July for a delicious selection of seasonal fresh produce, baked goods, honeys, and more. Located in the Student Life Centre Lower Atrium, make sure to check out the UW
Farm Market web site for the next available dates
and times. Don’t forget to bring your WatCard.

Community gardens

UW Food Services is at the forefront of developing and implementing sustainable initiatives that leave a smaller carbon footprint on our planet. With the help of services developed by UW students and faculty, UW Food Services makes a difference making one lug-a-mug at a time.

Food Services also supports the community garden located on North Campus next to the University Club. Supported by various stakeholders, the community gaden grows spices and herbs on-site!

MSC Certified Seafood

Most large fish in the ocean have disappeared and many fish stocks are over-exploited. Seafood consumption has occurred at such a rapid rate that we’ve significantly reduced fish populations at a global scale. Choose seafood that is Marine Stewardship Council-certified to support sustainable fishing practices.