This is an optional Innovation & Leadership credit. These credits recognize exemplary practices and performance above and beyond what is recognized in standard credits and may not be relevant to every institution. Scoring in the Innovation and Leadership section is capped at 4 bonus points total.
Credit Language
IN 8: Dining Services Certification – version 2.2
Frequently Asked Questions
Our institution has a Food Recovery Network Chapter. Does this qualify for points under this credit?
Having a Food Recovery Network chapter is not sufficient. In order to earn points for food recovery under this credit, institutions must have achieved Food Recovery Verified certification.
What “equivalent programs approved by AASHE” can be claimed under this credit?
The following regional and US programs have been claimed as equivalent programs:
- Certified Blue Restaurant Program, Long Beach, CA
- California Green Business Network
- A+ Rating from the PETA Vegan report card
- Green Dining Alliance – St. Louis region
- Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant
- Virginia Green Certification
Example Responses
- California State University, Long Beach – Good example of an institution that is certified by an equivalent program (Certified Blue Restaurant Program).
- Princeton University – Provides good documentation for GRA Certification, including direct links to the GRA where certification documentation for two sites is outlined.
- Stanford University – Strong leadership in dining certification and good reporting example for Responsible Epicurean and Agricultural Leadership (REAL). Includes uploaded news story as the first REAL certified campus dining program.
- Texas A&M University – Good example and documentation of an institution that has achieved Food Recovery Verified (includes uploaded certification letter).
- University of Pittsburgh – Good example and documentation of an institution that has achieved Food Recovery Verified (includes uploaded certification letter).
Common Issues Identified During Review
- Institution and/or its primary dining services contractor must have achieved formal certification from one of the approved programs on the list. Purchase of foods from third party certified producers is not sufficient (this is recognized under the Food & Beverage Purchasing credit.