Sourcing Responsibly
Carolina Food Co. has taken important steps to advance our sourcing practices in a responsible and ethical way. To drive measureable change, we focus on the following areas:
Local food isn’t just better on your plate, it’s better for the community. Buying local food supports South Carolina farmers and keeps our businesses thriving. We’ve partnered with Senn Bros. Produce, Freshpoint, and Brasstown Beef to provide us with the freshest local fruits, vegetables and burgers. We strive to purchase products from local, independently-owned, minority-owned or women-owned businesses whenever possible.
We have high standards for the food we serve. That’s why we have high standards for the ingredients we buy. We purchase cage-free eggs, humanely-raised chicken and beef as well as seafood approved by the Monterrey Bay Seafood Watch.
Our Babylon hydroponic farms are our indoor micro farms located on the second floor of Russel House in our residential dining halls, Fresh Greens, and Gamecock Park. We can grow 40+ different varieties of lettuces, herbs, and edible flowers for our dining halls.
Certified climate-friendly by the World Resources Institute, Cool Foods are incorporated in all ining hall menus. These recipes have a low impact on the climate, making them a delicious way to help the planet.
Minimizing Waste
Carolina Food Co. models its waste reduction strategy after The Food Recovery Hierarchy developed by the EPA.
Recycling is a high priority for Gamecocks. We do our part by recycling cardboard, paper and plastic in our locations
Carolina Food Co. offers reusable to-go containers in all-you-care-to-eat dining halls. To check out a reusable container, you’ll need to show your personal QR code to the cashier and scan it. Then you’re all set! Bring back your reusable container to a designated return location and it will be checked back in.
Visit app.reusepass.com to activate your account.
Our team records food waste with software that analyzes data and predicts trends. This helps our chefs to plan for a specific number of guests and prepare the right amount of food.
When excess food is prepared, we work with the student-run Food Recovery Network to safely donate to local hunger relief agencies like Oliver Gospel Mission and our on-campus food pantry CommUnity Shop!
Since the inception of out composting program in 2017, we diverted close to 750 tons of food waste from the landfill with the help of our composting partners SMART Recycling and ReSoil Compost! The compost enriches the land for gardens and farms throughout the Southeast.
Oil waste aste from our kitchens is converted into biodiesel with the help of Restaurant Technologies, Inc.
Food Purchasing Assistance
Carolina Food Co. has taken important steps to accept SNAP Benefits in convenience locations on campus starting in Fall 2024.
In the United States, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is a federal government program that provides food-purchasing assistance for low—and no-income people to help them maintain adequate nutrition and health. Coming in Fall 2024, our Gamecock General stores will accept SNAP benefits. To learn more about how to apply, visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service site.