Food

In Fall 2015, Eagle Dining Services, the Center for Sustainability and the Nutrition and Food Science department hosted “Homegrown: Made in Georgia”, a three-day event promoting the benefits of eating local foods and choosing healthy, sustainable meal options. The program consisted of several promotions including “Eat Local”, a tabling spearheaded by nutrition students offering samples of healthy snacks and recipes. The Center for Sustainability held informational sessions outside of Dining Commons to promote the campus garden and food waste management projects, as well as hosted a microgreens demonstration during the finale dinner. A mini-farmers market was held to give local vendors a chance to showcase their locally-made foods. A special dinner at Dining Commons wrapped up the event featuring locally-grown ingredients in several creative dishes.

The University Wellness Program and the Center for Sustainability began a partnership with the Main Street Farmers Market in Fall 2011 to create the Campus Farmers Market. The purpose was to bring fresh local produce to campus such as honey, milk, grits, baked goods, meat, dairy products, fair trade coffee and much more. The Campus Farmers Market hosts many farmers that use environmentally sustainable practices including fewer pesticides, no antibiotics or growth hormones and raise their animals outside on pasture. Find them at the Russell Union from 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays starting in early September through late October.

Eagle Dining Services, at Georgia Southern University, supports sustainability by offering several vegetarian meals in its dining facilities and is looking into more ways to incorporate sustainable menu items. Additionally, both Dining Commons and Lakeside offer dining without the use of trays, which reduces waste water and energy consumption, while also leveraging reusable/washable utensils, glasses and plateware to reduce waste in landfills. Currently, EDS is offering a reusable drink bottle free to all Blue and Gold dining plan holders, and at a price of $20 to everyone else. It’s available to use at Dining Commons, Lakeside and Gus Mart in the Russell Union. Restrictions apply.

Last updated: 5/10/2022