University dining program earns sustainability title

The United States Healthful Food Council, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting diet-related disease, has certified the University of California–Davis for meeting its Responsible Epicurean and Agricultural Leadership (REAL) criteria.

UC Davis is the second university in the country to receive this designation, as Stanford University became the first last year.

“UC Davis recognizes the critical link between food, health and the environment, not only for our students, but for the world’s growing population,” Emily Galindo, executive director of student housing and associate vice chancellor of student affairs, said in a statement. “We decided to become REAL Certified because we want to raise the bar for school foodservice everywhere.”

In order to become REAL certified, operators must complete requirements and earn sufficient points in the areas of Responsible (nutrition), Epicurean (preparation), Agricultural (sourcing) and Leadership (going above and beyond). Since it was founded in 2011, the organization has certified college dining services, restaurants and corporate cafes in over 30 states.