Sustainability

Campus Initiatives

Sodexo is committed to providing a more sustainable dining experience. Sodexo is the first food services company to align its objective to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. In 2017 we launched the Corporate Responsibility Roadmap, Better Tomorrow 2025. It consists of nine commitments fully aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. We have a goal of a 34% reduction in carbon emissions by 2025 (from 2017, our reference year) that has been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative.

Recycling

When possible, we recycle the following products: plastics #1 and #2, aluminum cans, paper, and cardboard.

Plastics

In 2019 we eliminated straws in the Acansa Dining Hall and reduced straw use at other campus dining locations by adopting a ‘by request’ policy. In 2021, we have significantly reduced single-use plastic bags on campus by implementing a $0.25 charge per plastic bag and rewarding students with a $0.50 discount when they bring their A-State reusable bags.

Styrofoam

The Student Government Association proposed a Sustainability Plan to eliminate polystyrene foam service ware by 2023. We are committed to assist in our students' request and remove polystyrene from our retail areas, with the exemption of contracted spaces.

Trayless Dining

In 2009 we eliminated trays from the Acansa Dining Hall. Benefits of dining without a tray include using less energy for heating water, using less water for washing, using less cleaning product, and reducing food waste.

Reusable Dishware

Non-disposable dishes in the Acansa Dining Hall are used to reduce waste associated with single-use disposable ware.

Green To-Go Program

We sell reusable straws, bags, and bottles in our three campus store locations. When students bring their reusable bags, we offer a $0.50 discount on their purchase. Our reusable water bottles are always a limited edition because they are designed by an A-State student each year!

Food Recovery

We have partnered with the A-State Food Pantry to divert excess food from landfills. Twice a week volunteers from the Food Pantry collect excess ready to serve food from the Campus Stores to serve our students and faculty in need.

Swipe Out Hunger

We have partnered with Swipe Out Hunger Campaign to allow students to donate their extra swipes, blocks, and flex to other students in need.

Composting

Our Jonesboro community and Arkansas State University Student Government Association are working to introduce a composting facility in the next five years. When a proper composting facility is established, Sodexo is committed to assist their composting efforts by providing kitchen food scraps.

Plant-Based Dining

Food production accounts for ¼ of all greenhouse gas emissions. In the Acansa Dining Hall we offer plant-based meals Monday-Friday at our vegetarian station. We are consistently working to incorporate more and expand our plant-based options on campus.

Animal Welfare

All eggs served are from cage free birds. 100% cage free eggs are purchased as part of our commitment to sustainable purchasing.

Rainforest Alliance & Fair Trade Coffee

We serve coffee that is Fair Trade Certified & Rainforest Alliance. Fair Trade products help improve millions of lives, protecting land and waterways in 45 countries. Fair Trade USA helps producers access better wages and safer working conditions