Fueling A Sustainable Future
We believe that creating a better world for generations to come starts today.
Our Collective Responsibility
At Loyola Dining, we’re committed to making a positive impact on campus and the community by focusing on responsible sourcing, reducing food waste, and offering nutritious meals made with responsible practices. From supporting local partners to making thoughtful choices in our dining operations, we’re working every day to build a more sustainable future. And you can be a part of the effort, too!
Meet your Sustainability Manager
Our full-time on-site Sustainability Manager, Jordan, 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.
Hi, I'm Jordan Boffill!
I was born and raised in Tampa, Florida and attended Florida Gulf Coast University for my undergrad studying Resort and Hospitality Management.
Want to get involved? Contact me at boffill-jordan@aramark.com
Working Toward Zero Waste
We proudly support the sustainability goals of Loyola University Chicago. 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 Lakeshore Recycling System 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
Loyola Dining sources food from many local farmers, growers, and distributors. Our partners change throughout the year depending on seasonality and availability.
Midwest Foods
Midwest Foods is one of Loyola Dining’s key local partners, helping us bring fresh, high-quality, and sustainably sourced ingredients directly to campus. By working closely with regional farmers and producers, Midwest Foods supports our commitment to local procurement and ensures our menus feature seasonal produce and responsibly sourced products. Their dedication to transparency, food quality, and community impact aligns closely with Loyola’s values, making them an essential partner in delivering nutritious, flavorful meals to our students every day.
Wisepak Foods
Wisepak Foods is a valued local and minority-owned partner that brings fresh, high-quality sushi to Loyola’s campus. Their commitment to craftsmanship and food safety ensures our students enjoy delicious, made-daily sushi options across our retail locations. By partnering with Wisepak Foods, Loyola Dining is proud to support a local business that prioritizes quality, authenticity, and community impact—enhancing the variety and freshness of the dining experience for our students.
West Town Bakery
West Town Bakery is a proud Chicago-based partner that brings artisan-quality baked goods to Loyola’s campus. Known for their creative flavors and commitment to using wholesome, responsibly sourced ingredients, West Town Bakery supplies a variety of pastries, desserts, and treats across our retail locations. Their focus on craftsmanship, community, and sustainability aligns with Loyola Dining’s values, helping us offer students fresh, flavorful bakery options while supporting a beloved local business.
More Ways to Go Green with Loyola Dining
Reusable Cup Program
Sustainable Sips is Loyola Dining’s reusable cup program designed to reduce single-use waste across our Lakeshore Campus coffee shops. Students can purchase a reusable 16 oz cup for $5, and each time they bring it back for brewed coffee, they receive a 10¢ discount. By choosing to reuse, our campus community helps lower waste, conserve resources, and support Loyola’s commitment to sustainability—all while enjoying their favorite drinks.
Food Donation
Loyola Dining is committed to reducing food waste and supporting our community through safe, responsible food donations. Through our long-standing partnership with the Food Recovery Network, surplus food from our dining locations is recovered and distributed to local organizations serving individuals and families facing food insecurity. Together, we help ensure that good food is shared, not wasted, while advancing Loyola’s mission of sustainability and service.
Cooking Oil Recycling
Loyola Dining proudly partners with Loyola’s Biodiesel Lab to recycle all used cooking oil from our campus kitchens. This oil is converted into clean biodiesel fuel that powers Loyola’s shuttle buses, while the glycerin byproduct is transformed into eco-friendly soap used across campus. This closed-loop system reduces waste, lowers emissions, and supports hands-on student learning—showcasing Loyola’s commitment to innovation and sustainable operations.
Green Restaurant Association
Engrained is proudly certified as a 4-Star Green Restaurant by the Green Restaurant Association (GRA), the highest level of recognition for environmentally responsible dining. This certification reflects Engrained’s leadership in sustainability through waste reduction, energy and water conservation, responsible sourcing, and eco-friendly operations. As Loyola’s flagship sustainable dining venue, Engrained showcases our commitment to offering delicious meals with a minimal environmental footprint.
Events
Loyola Dining hosts a variety of events throughout the year to engage our campus community in sustainability and environmental awareness. From Earth Day celebrations and Sustainability Sundays to interactive fairs and hands-on workshops, these events highlight sustainable food practices, local partnerships, and ways students can reduce waste in their daily lives. By combining education, fun, and delicious food, our events bring the Loyola community together to celebrate and promote a more sustainable campus.
No Deforestation
Loyola Dining is dedicated to doing its part to help limit forest removal and protect vital ecosystems. By prioritizing responsible sourcing and sustainable practices, we strive to reduce our impact on forests while supporting a healthier planet. This commitment reflects our values of environmental stewardship and sustainability, ensuring that the meals we serve contribute to a more responsible and mindful future.
