Our Vision and Values

- 1 -

We believe access to wholesome, nutritious food leads to improved health, happiness and academic success.

- 2 -

We prioritize locally sourced and minimally processed ingredients to support local economies, land stewardship and food transparency.

- 3 -

We believe the way food is grown, distributed, and prepared should celebrate diversity and our shared humanity by providing not only sustenance, but justice, beauty and pleasure.

- 4 -

We believe ultra-processed foods hide serious costs like degradation of the environment, unfair agricultural practices and harm to health.

- 5 -

We believe in creating and preparing healthy recipes, and offering abundant plant-based options.

- 6 -

We believe in enabling and inspiring lifelong health and wellbeing through conscious decisions about food.

- 7 -

We believe that eating together is just as important as what you eat.

Leading The Way In Canada

CBC’s “The Nature of Things” visited UBC’s Culinary Director David Speight and Dietitian Melissa Baker to talk about how they are leading the charge for Canadian universities.

Our Values in Action

Here are just a few things we are doing to bring our vision and values to life on campus.
(Care to read our full, official Food Vision & Values? Download it here.)

Real Food

Wholesome, healthful food is a priority because our guests, our food and our wellbeing matter.

Made from Scratch

We prepare as many menu items as possible in-house, with support from our Registered Dietitians.

Local Ingredients

We prioritize purchasing ingredients from local producers in the Lower Mainland. We are proud partners with Feed BC - bringing B.C. food to public institutions.

learn more here

Plant-based Emphasis

Vegan and vegetarian options are readily available to reduce our impact on our air, land, water and climate.

Nutrition Education

Our team of Registered Dietitians share food & nutrition knowledge and skills to improve the health and wellbeing of our community.

Sustainable Seafood

All seafood served at UBC Food Services locations (except franchises) is 100% Ocean Wise certified.

Fair Trade

Fairtrade certified products, including all our coffees and teas, are available at all UBC Food Service Locations (except for franchises).

Zero Waste

UBC aspires to be a “Zero Waste” campus where waste is treated as reusable resources. As a Zero Waste partner we strive to compost all food scraps, use recyclable or compostable single-use containers, offer BYOC discounts, and encourage the reduction of single-use items.

Transparency

Labelling nutrition information, ingredients and allergens allow customers to make informed decisions about what they eat.

Food Safety

Rigorous food safety procedures, training, and auditing ensure a safe environment guests can trust.

Food Recovery

We partner with local organizations to deliver food to community groups that is still safe but can't otherwise be sold.

People who Care

We recruit teams that are passionate about great food, sustainable practices and the customer service experience.

How You Can Help

BYOC

Bring your own reusable cup to save 25¢ off hot beverages or use Green2Go for takeout in the residence dining rooms.

Sort it Out

UBC aspires to be a Zero Waste campus where all unwanted items are treated as reusable resources. You can make a difference by using Sort it Out stations to sort food scraps and recyclables.

Choose Low-Carbon Foods

Meat production and food transportation are major contributors to climate change. Consider meat-free meals, don’t waste food and buy local wherever possible.