Foam packaging removed from campus dining program

December 1, 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Gator Dining Services/ARAMARK has eliminated foam packaging for foods at all Gator Dining locations, including the dining halls, Classic Fare Catering and the national brands on University of Florida’s campus.

Ridding foam in more than 40 dining locations diverts an estimated 1.2 million units of foam products from the landfill, which is approximately 24,000 pounds or 17,000 cubic feet of foam.

“By eliminating foam from Gator Dining operations, we are not only positively affecting our students, but we are also reducing our carbon footprint for all those who eat on campus and helping to promote sustainability within the community,” said Dana Falstad, sustainability manager at Gator Dining/ARAMARK.

Locations such as Pollo Tropical, Panda Express, Chick-fil-A, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Chili’s, Jamba Juice, KFC and Burger King have replaced their foam products with paper-based products that are either made with renewable resources, compostable and/or recyclable.

Gator Dining launched a campuswide elimination of foam in February 2011 beginning with Classic Fare Catering, followed by the university’s two residential dining facilities in May 2011.

“By leveraging our partnerships with our national brands, we have sourced foam alternatives for all products and have replaced the foam-based products with paper-based products,” Falstad said.

For more information about Gator Dining’s sustainability initiatives and upcoming events, please visit http://www.gatordining.com/sustainability or visit Gator Dining Sustainability on Facebook.