Local farmers have a hand in Dining Services. Elon University adopted the 10 Percent Campaign, a state-wide initiative establishes trade agreements between local farmers and businesses.
Businesses involved in the program pledge to purchase a minimum of 10 percent of all food locally, which largely determines from where and from whom the university purchases produce.
Fresh produce is an important aspect of Elon Dining Service’s involvement in the 10 Percent movement, according to Kate Nelson, marketing manager for Elon Dining Services.
“You not only get a closer relationship with those growing your food, but you get to know about how that food is produced and the values that the farmer lives by,” said Michelle Ferrier, associate professor of communications and the creator of locallygrownnews.com, a site devoted to sharing and promoting local food experiences.
The relationships between local farmers and the university produce environmental benefits as well, according to Ferrier. The 10 Percent Campaign reduces food transportation, effectively decreasing gas emissions and the need for pesticides and preservatives.
“Food is also healthier as it is quickly brought to local markets, versus trucked from miles away, thereby reducing your carbon footprint,” Ferrier said. “So you lose fewer nutrients and get fewer pesticides, hormones and other unwanted additions to your produce.”
Each dining area offers a variety of local options, Nelson said.
A leaf shaped logo indicates locally grown items. Nelson referenced the pastries and muffins in Acorn Coffee Shop as examples of locally sourced products that have the logo on their price tag.
“We also do various events throughout the year where we give out North Carolina 10 Percent Campaign T-shirts to promote and increase awareness of the campaign,” she said.
Information concerning the North Carolina 10 Percent Campaign is available via ads on the Dining Services Website, Dining Facebook page and various digital screens throughout campus.