Appalachian State University
IN-3: Innovation 3

Appalachian State University's Local Food Initiative Appalachian State University has identified local and sustainable food operations to be important player in fulfilling the Strategic Plan of the university and an opportunity largely untapped. This exciting endeavor, called for by our students and championed by our university leaders, seeks to create a local and sustainable food system serving the regional economy and offering healthy and sustainably grown food to our community of students, faculty and staff. Appalachian Food Services is locally owned and operated by Appalachian State University. As such, we are better positioned to make key decisions to fulfill our goal of a local and sustainable food system. This long-term pursuit requires the input and participation from many different regional stakeholders. Being independently owned, the supply chain is smaller, thus enabling smaller round table discussions and easier decision-making. This partnership bridges campus operations with the university's mission to educate, engaging students, faculty and staff. An ongoing project in progress, local and sustainably produced food products into campus dining facilities meets the goal of improving the campus food system and providing fresh, healthy for people and the planet food options. Through this initiative, Appalachian Food Services is choosing to do business with operations that are environmental stewards, socially responsible and productive members of the local economy, creating resiliency within the surrounding food system. This food initiative is steered by an innovative partnership between Appalachian Food Services, the Office of Sustainability, and Sustainable Development academic program.