Fueling A Sustainable Future
We believe that creating a better world for generations to come starts today.
Our Collective Responsibility
At UC Irvine 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!
Connecting Policies to a Sustainable Future
We proudly support the sustainability goals of the UC Office of the President (UCOP). Here are a few active initiatives.
UC Sustainable Food Service Policy
UCOP set a minimum sustainable food spend goal of 25% under AASHE STARS. As of Spring 2026, UC Irvine Dining surpassed this benchmark with 31.4%.
UC Single-Use Plastics Policy
For this policy, we aligned with the goals of eliminating plastic bags, replacing single-use plastics with reusable or compostable alternatives, and expanding reusable foodware in our dining halls.
UC Healthy Vending Policy
This policy promotes nutritious vending options across UC campuses. In Spring 2026, 27.1% of our beverage offerings met Healthy Vending standards, and we are working to increase that percentage.
Sustainability Achievements
AASHE Stars Gold Rating
For the year 2025, UC Irvine achieved a Gold Rating in AASHE Stars. To support this designation, we prioritized the sustainability assessment standards by serving climate-friendly, plant-based menu options, improving waste reduction strategies, and increasing local purchasing efforts.
2024 Campus Race to Zero Waste Winner
UC Irvine Dining earned first place in the Green Events category of Campus Race to Zero Waste for its expanded Wiping Out Waste event, which tracked food, landfill, and recycling waste streams.
2023 NACUFS Winner
We received a Silver Sustainability Award for Outreach & Education, recognizing our enhanced food waste initiatives and commitment to engaging the campus community in sustainable practices.
2019 NACUFS Winner
We earned national recognition for sustainability leadership by receiving the Grand Prize for Sustainability, a Gold Award in Outreach & Education, and a Silver Award in Waste Management.
Irvine Green Business Certification
The Irvine Green Business Certification demonstrates our commitment to employee wellness and productivity, energy and water efficiency, resource stewardship, and reducing CO2 emissions.
Fair Trade University Designation
Since earning Fair Trade University certification in 2018, we have showcased our commitment to supporting farmers and producers through the purchase and promotion of ethically sourced products.
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
UC Irvine Dining sources food from many local farmers, growers, and distributors. Our partners change throughout the year depending on seasonality and availability.
Bonita Farms (Ontario, CA)
Bonita Farms, owned by Leo Diaz, supplies our dining halls with organically grown fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens.
Since 2023, Leo and his team have participated in our annual Sustainable Food Fair, highlighting their sustainable farming practices and local impact on our campus.
The Garlic Company (Shafter, CA)
The Garlic Company has produced high-quality California-grown garlic for more than 30 years, with a vertically integrated and traceable supply chain.
We are pleased to feature their premium peeled garlic in meals served throughout our dining halls.
Our Local Sourcing List is Always Growing!
- Bonita Farms (Ontario, CA)
- Fresh Origins (San Diego, CA)
- Harris Ranch (Central Valley, CA)
- Lakside Organic Gardens (Watsonville, CA)
- Bolthouse Farms (Bakersfield, CA)
More Ways to Go Green with UC Irvine Dining
Sip Smarter
Help reduce plastic waste by bringing your own reusable water bottle and using our hydrations stations. They are available on campus inside of the West Food Court, The Anteatery, and Brandywine.
Get Involved
We host several annual events to promote sustainable dining at UC Irvine, including quarterly Love Your Food, Don’t Waste It and Wiping Out Waste events at the Anteatery and Brandywine, as well as our Sustainable Food Fair during Earth Month.
Sorting Your Waste
Join us in creating a more sustainable future. By properly sorting recyclables, compostables, and landfill waste, you help reduce pollution, conserve resources, and maximize the recovery of materials that can be reused or repurposed.
