Fueling A Sustainable Future
We don’t just talk about sustainability - we take action, because we believe that creating a better world for generations to come starts today.
Meet Your Sustainability Manager
Our full-time on-site Sustainability Manager 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.
Jordan Murphy
Jordan Murphy serves as UVA Dine’s Sustainability Manager, where he oversees and manages UVA Dine’s sustainable and local procurement program, waste divestment operations, food donations and delivery, and product-ware compliance across 30 locations. He is a 2024 High Honors graduate of UVA’s Urban and Environmental Planning Program, and is currently pursuing an accelerated Masters in the same field.
Working Toward Zero Waste
We proudly support the sustainability goals of the UVA 2030 Sustainability Plan. 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 Black Bear Composting 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.
Showcasing Our Local Partner Relationships
UVA Dine sources food from many local farmers, growers, and distributors. Our partners change throughout the year depending on seasonality and availability.
4P Foods
4P Foods sources fresh, high-quality, delicious food, prioritizing local and regional partners. They cultivate a network of growers and producers who engage in labor practices that enable people and communities to thrive, and in growing practices that actively build the soil and promote biodiversity. They source Good Food in service of creating a better food system that is equitable and regenerative, and in which all living beings are treated with respect and dignity.
Cureate Co.
Cureate is a woman-owned, food-tech company dedicated to empowering local communities by creating a sustainable and inclusive supply chain. They exist to build interconnected, economically-vibrant communities. Their focus is on the food & beverage industry across the value chain, which deeply touches all of our lives, and where there is an immediate need to change how we do business-as-usual.
Cville Market
The Cville Market brings a taste of Charlottesville straight to the South Lawn. Local vendors showcase their unique products and goods, giving students the perfect opportunity to connect with the community, try new products, and support local businesses.
More Ways to Go Green with UVA Dine
Source Sustainably
Procuring food committed to environmental stewardship, animal welfare, biodiversity, and healthy living.
Reusable Containers
We are proud to be a part of the Reuse-Pass Program! At all three of our dining halls, students can rent reusable to-go containers, reducing the usage of single use plastics. To sign up, click the link here.
Plant-Based Meals
Creating innovative, tasty, and climate friendly-menus to reduce our carbon footprint
Food Donation
We partner with Food Assist to donate leftovers in our dining halls to local food pantries, helping feed our local community and keeping prepared foods out of landfills. We also partner with the UVA Community Food Pantry to address food security on Grounds through programs like our Swipe Drive event.
Green Restaurant Association
Sustainable restaurant concepts are always top of mind.
