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Sustainability Initiatives

We don’t just talk about sustainability - we take action. Check out some of the ways we're reducing our environmental impact and creating a positive impact on our community.

Meet Your Sustainability Coordinator

Our full-time on-site Sustainability Coordinator works directly with the culinary team, operations managers, student experience team, and sourcing partners to optimize our practices and find new ways for you to get involved.

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    Hi, I’m Gabriella Fox!

    I have a BS in Environmental Studies from Roanoke College. I'm an outdoor enthusiast and passionate about positively impacting the environment. I am interested in sustainability management, wildlife conservation, marine biology, and outdoor adventure guiding and am constantly looking to increase my knowledge and awareness about the complexities that fuel climate change. I strive to influence a more sustainable and just world through a well-rounded comprehension of the interdisciplinary subjects related to our environment.

    Want to get involved? Contact me at fox-gabriella@aramark.com.

Working Toward Zero Waste

We proudly support the sustainability goals of James Madison University. Here are a few active initiatives.

  • Robust Recycling

    We recycle cardboard, metal, paper, glass, and accepted plastic products, and we recycle uncommon items—such as batteries and printer cartridges—wherever possible.

  • Collaborative Composting

    We work with <insert composting partner> to collect organic materials—including food waste and compostable service items such as napkins and wooden stir sticks—to be composted into useable, nutrient-rich soil amendments.

  • Proactive Prevention

    We use tracking and forecasting tools to proactively identify food waste trends in order to alter our preparation accordingly.

Your Choices Can Make a Daily Impact

Our goal is to make it easy to offer you nutritious, environmentally, and socially conscious options wherever possible.

Showcasing Our Local Partner Relationships

JMU Dining Services sources food from many local farmers, growers, and distributors. Our partners change throughout the year depending on seasonality and availability.

  • Broad Porch Coffee

    We take pride in daily curating a warm and welcoming experience at our cafes in Luray, VA and Harrisonburg, VA or in your home with a hot cup of coffee sent to you fresh from our roastery. Our coffee is available at D-Hall and E-Hall, and used coffee grounds can be picked up for plant fertilizer on the 1st floor of D-Hall.

  • Kelley Street Garden

    Kelley Street Garden in Harrisonburg, VA is sponsored in-part by JMU Dining. The Garden provides space for families in Franklin Heights to grow their own fresh vegetables. JMU Dining hosts events at the garden to share cooking tips and recipes, as well as hosting a cookout each year.

  • Farmers Market

    The Farmers Market accepts Dining Dollars and Flex in addition to cash and credit. Our Sustainability Team works with our vendors to encourage awareness and education on the importance of supporting the local economy and food system, while engaging with the community. Our market is held every Wednesday from 9am – 4pm on the Madison Union Patio from September through October, and Spring Break through the end of the semester. 

Our Local Sourcing List is Always Growing!

  • Mountain View Farms
  • Blue Ridge Bucha
  • 7 Hills Food Co.
  • Twin Oaks Tofu
  • Papa Weaver's Pork
  • Walnut Winds Farm
  • Rt 11 Potato Chips
  • Ula Tortilla
  • VA Vinegar Works
  • Caramont Farm
  • and many more!

More Ways to Go Green with JMU Dining

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    Sip Smarter

    Fill up your reusable water bottle!

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    Choose to Reuse

    Market 64 offers reusable To Go containers!

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    Wipe Out Waste

    JMU Dining closely tracks food production to minimize waste. Watch out for our Weigh the Waste events!

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    Virginia Green

    We are certified by the Virginia Green Travel association demonstrating sustainable practices such as recycling, waste reduction, energy and water conservation, environmental leadership and green meetings and events are being implemented..

    VA Green Tourism
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    Food Insecurity

    In FY25 JMU Dining donated $76,000 to the JMU Food Pantry, donated 4,000 meal swipes to students, and over 5,800 pounds of food to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.

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    Too Good To Go

    JMU Dining partners with To Good To Go to sell unsold food items at a drastic discount.

    To Good to Go