Our sustainability practices focus on ethically sourced ingredients, providing students with fresh, high quality meals made from scratch.
Local | Our Certifications | Waste Management & Zero Waste
Keeping it Local
McGill is committed to serving local food on campus by partnering with over 30 local Quebec producers and farmers that are located within a 500 km radius. These products range from fruits and vegetable to all types of proteins. When it comes to Quebec favourites, the dining halls always have a supply of local bagels, maple syrup, and honey.
McGill Feeding McGill
Our most successful sustainability initiative, known as McGill Feeding McGill is the local sourcing of fresh produce that is grown on our own Macdonald Farm. Each year, we source close to 20 different varieties of vegetables and fruits that include fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, kale, apples, watermelon and more. We highlight this initiative with culinary Local Food Day events every month.
See the chefs visit the farm
Learn more about McGill feeding McGill
Our Certifications
Silver Fair Trade designation
We are thrilled to announce that McGill University's Downtown Campus has achieved Silver status in the Fair Trade Campus designation. We are the first campus in Quebec to receive this designation. This achievement is a testament to our ongoing commitment to Fair Trade principles and practices.
Sustainable Seafood
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, allows us to recognize and promote sustainable fishing practices in our dining halls. MSC is a leading international non-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding the health of the world’s oceans. McGill was the first Canadian University to be recognized and receive the MSC Chain of Custody Certification.
Stars (Sustainability Tracking Assessment And Rating System) with Aashe
An important contribution the McGill's STARS Platinum Sustainability Rating are the plant based meals in the dining halls.
Organic
We actively source products certified under the Canadian Organic Standards, promoting agricultural practices that enhance biodiversity, minimize environmental impact, and prioritize animal health and welfare.
Waste Management
With the goal of becoming a zero-waste campus by 2035, our dining halls have eliminated all packaging and single-use items. Diners only generate compost, creating a landfill-free zone.
Food Waste is Still Waste!
While the All You Care to Eat dining model allows you to take as much food as you'd like, we encourage mindful portioning to minimize waste. Only take what you can comfortably finish.
Composting in Residence
The Shared Houses and Apartments are equipped with countertop bins for students to directly dispose of their food scraps. In all other residences compost bins are found in the kitchenettes.
