Attention graduating seniors: AmeriCorps VISTA NRV Hunger Relief Coordinator position

Dining Services currently diverts all leftover, edible grab-n-go items to two local hunger relief agencies every day of the week. We are also piloting “hot” food diversion at D2, to make sure that any unavoidable excess food is delivered to those in the community that need it.

If you are a graduating senior (or an already graduated member of the community) interested in helping VT and the community to further establish programs such as these, please consider applying for the following position:

The YMCA at Virginia Tech and VT’s Center for Student Engagement and Community Partnerships (CSECP) have a new AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer position. The volunteer will help build the capacity of local food pantries and hunger relief agencies in the New River Valley by identifying and addressing their needs through the YMCA at VT’s Neighborhood Harvest Program and cultivating partnerships with and among the following constituencies: interested hunger relief agencies/programs, local farmers/residence, and Virginia Tech. For more information about this exciting position, please view the cragislist ad. Cover letter, one page resume, and potential availability for an interview on March 1st-4th should be mailed/emailed to:

Jake Grohs

jrgrohs@vt.edu

1250 Litton Reaves Hall (0168)

Blacksburg , VA 24061

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 27th, 11:59 PM>

Local Food at Farms & Fields

We’ve chosen not to put a mile-cap on the concept of “local” for our farm-fresh food at Farms & Fields. To reduce food miles and support the local economy, we strive to bring you food that is produced as close to Virginia Tech as possible. Sometimes that will be 200 miles away, and sometimes that will be less than 10 miles away, from our very own garden. Either way, expect to find local food produced in Virginia and the closest regions of North Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

We believe that transparency is important to creating a more sustainable food system. If you ever want to know more abut exactly where your food comes from or how it is produced, contact Dining Services’ Sustainability Coordinator, Rachael Budowle, at rbudowle@vt.edu.

Dining Services Bottled Beverage Survey Complete

Thanks to all who participated in the Dining Services Bottled Beverage Survey! We had 6671 respondents who provided valuable information for us to examine reusable bottles and reducing waste in the dining centers on campus. We are currently working with the SGA and the Environmental Coalition to determine next steps.

The four winners of the $25 Dining Dollar prizes will be contacted shortly.

Welcome Back to Farms & Fields!

Thanks to all of you who are dedicated to sustainability and continue to support Farms & Fields this spring semester. While local produce is difficult to find in these cold winter months, you’ll notice that we still feature local meats and organic options.

You may have also noticed that Farms & Fields has a bit of a new look.  New promotional materials about the venue are also featured in dining centers across campus. We hope to attract and educate new customers who may not know much about sustainability or what exactly Farms & Fields is. So please, spread the word to your friends and encourage them to support Dining Services’ commitment to sustainability by eating at The Farms & Fields Project in Owens Food Court!