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Rooted In Flavor

HDH is excited to embark on a culinary journey with students and treat their palates to wholesome, thoughtfully crafted foods.  The best part? It's all Rooted in Flavor!

Rooted in Flavor is a new dining initiative launching Fall 2019. It is inspired by Menus of Change, a groundbreaking movement from The Culinary Institute of America and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health that promotes principles of healthy and sustainable menus. By providing nutritious, delicious and environmentally sustainable food options, HDH aims to show that small choices make a big difference. 

Sustainable Dining


Key Goals for 2021-2022

  • Increase sustainable seafood options
  • Increase whole grain options
  • Increase Wellness (pdf) options
  • Increase plant forward options
  • Reduce sodium
  • Reduce beef

Reusable Dishware and Utensils

Dining in? Use reusable utensils, cups and plates when eating at Dining locations.

  • If you bring in your own reusable cup or mug when purchasing fountain beverages or coffee, you will receive a .20 discount.
  • Shopping at the markets? Help reduce paper bag usage by bringing in a canvas or reusable bag, and receive a .05 discount.

Remember to return reusable ware to our locations if you take them back to your suite or apartment.

Pre-Consumer Composting Program

All HDH Dining locations participate in pre-consumer composting. Pre-consumer waste (melon rinds, vegetable peels, coffee grounds, etc) during the food preparation process are diverted from landfills. Republic Services collects and turns our collected pre-consumer waste into nutrient-rich compost.

How can you help reduce waste? Properly sort trash and recycling after eating. If you’re unsure of what goes where, reference the pictures posted at each collection station for guidance.

141 tons were diverted to composting in the 2017-2018 academic year.

Donation Partnerships

Fair Trade

All coffee, espresso, and brewed tea in HDH Dining Service locations is Fair Trade. This certification helps support farmers and their communities, and ensure that sustainable agro-ecological practices are followed.

Sustainable Market Offerings

Visit the markets for a wide selection of eco-friendly products, ranging from household goods, health and beauty items, cleaning supplies and of course, food! Learn more about some of the brands we carry and their commitment to sustainability, by visiting their website.

Learn more about campus sustainability at sustainability.ucsd.edu.