At UHD, we are committed to providing healthy and sustainable dining options across the Forty Acres. Through a variety of programs and offerings, including Grounds for Grounds, Fill it Forward and UT Farm Stand, we aim to offer opportunities for you to get directly involved in our sustainability efforts. Here’s a guide to several of our department’s sustainability programs and the impact they make across campus and beyond.
Grounds for Grounds
Ever wonder where the coffee grounds go from your favorite UT coffee shops? Our coffee shops and Landscape Facilities collaborate on Grounds for Grounds, an initiative that spares used coffee grounds from landfills and transforms them into compost that is used around campus. Through this program, Longhorns have successfully redirected over 10,000 pounds of coffee grounds from landfills.
Fill it Forward
Our dining to-go program, Fill it Forward, allows diners to borrow a reusable takeout container to fill up and return with ease. By paying a one-time $5 fee to join the program, you can enjoy your meal anywhere while also supporting sustainability on the Forty Acres and beyond.
Jester and Kinsolving Gardens
Longhorns help supply our UT Farm Stand markets and dining halls with fresh produce by maintaining our two campus gardens, one located between Jester Center and Brackenridge Hall, and another in the Kins Dining courtyard. Produce from these two gardens go to our kitchens for meals and is sold at UT Farm Stand markets. If you’re interested in joining our garden work days, visit our volunteer page.
Compost Garden
Students have the opportunity to engage with and learn how to manage six small-scale compost systems through our educational compost garden. Our kitchens collect food scraps to create robust compost that promotes the growth of our vegetable gardens.
Nutrition and Wellness Opportunities
Beyond these programs and gardens, we also have a dedicated team of registered dietitians who are available to students in person, via virtual meetings or by attending our many wellness events. Our dietitians help cultivate a nutritious dining experience on the Forty Acres and are here to support your on-campus dining needs.
Whether you’re looking to learn more about balanced eating, have specific dietary needs or want to get involved in our sustainability efforts, we’re here to help you thrive during your time on the Forty.