Food & Procurement

Sustainable Procurement

The CSU Chancellor’s Office addresses procurement in its Sustainability Policy as follows:

  • Promote the use of environmentally preferred vendors. Use recycled/reusable/refillable products.
  • Move toward Zero Waste. Reduce or use recycled packaging. Participate in the Cal Recycle “Buy Recycled” program.
  • Report on all recycled content product categories and improve tracking and reporting procedures. 

CSUDH also participates in the CSU's Sustainable Auto-Sub Program, which automatically replaces cart items purchased through the Staples Business Advantage program with green alternatives. 

The CSU system has a Single Use Plastic Policy which eliminates the purchase of plastic straws and bags effective January 1, 2019 and single-use plastic water bottles effective January 1, 2023. Read policy details here [PDF].

What You Can Do:

  • Planning an event on campus? Make sure you consult our Green Event Checklist [PDF] to make sure you're requesting the most eco-friendly options and supplies. Adopting four points or more of our suggested measures? Register your event and get certified to earn a free Green Event logo to support your marketing. 
  • When making purchases, select items that are reusable, are composed of recycled-content or sustainable materials, and/or have 3rd party environmental certifications. 
  • Save money and the environment by buying second-hand, at thrift stores, etc., or by simply asking around to see if anyone else is trying to give away what you need. Join us at the first and last Farmers Market of the semester as well as markets on the second Tuesdays of each month for our regular Pop Up Thrift events to either donate or pick-up thrift items from the Toro community! 
  • Take Back the Tap! Fill up at hydrations stations on campus instead of buying single-use plastic water bottles. There's one on every stateside campus water fountain.

In addition to these recommendations, check out the “Reduce” section of our Waste Management page for information on your reusable container options, ergonomic office chair loaner program, and more!

Sustainable Food Initiatives

View our CSUDH Sustainable Food System Infographic [PDF].

  • CSUDH is a formally recognized chapter of the national Food Recovery Network. Student volunteers from the Sustainability Club make weekly pickups from Campus Dining to collect any extra food that can’t be sold and distributes it to the campus food pantries. That way, the campus can reduce food waste while getting free food to those who need it most!

  • The Campus Urban Farm makes weekly deliveries to Campus Dining to ensure campus-grown produce makes it into campus dishes. Produce is also donated to campus food pantries to ensure our in-need students have access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

  • The Office of Sustainability is a co-sponsor of the weekly CSUDH Farmers Market held on Tuesdays during the semester on the South Walkway. By supporting the market, the campus can help address food desert issues affecting our local community, support local businesses, and increase community access to sustainably farmed food. The market also provides valuable EBT services as well as a Market Match benefit which doubles the value of EBT dollars spent at the market!
    • Visit the market during the semester every Tuesday 9am-3pm on the South Walkway!  EBT, EBT Pandemic, WIC, Venmo, and all major credit cards accepted. Download the event flyer here.
    • Are you a current student?  Visit Teddy's Pantry Pop-Up at the Farmers Market: Get fresh Farmers Market produce for FREE sponsored by Toro CARE (CSUDH Basic Needs and Care Coordination) at the CalFresh booth, while supplies last. Students will be asked to check-in at the booth for a produce bag. You must be a current student to be eligible. Bags are available starting 10AM, on a first come, first serve basis. 

Would you like to donate fresh Farmer's Market produce directly to students in need? Purchase a Toro Pantry box! Find out how to donate [PDF].

FAQ: Where is the Farmers Market/South Walkway? 

The South Walkway connects the East Walkway and West Walkway and is just north of the Library and just south of the Bookstore.  

CSUDH Pathwater Bottle

Reusable Water Bottle Ordering

In support of the CSU Chancellor’s Office Single Use Plastics Policy, CSUDH has phased out all single-use plastic water bottle purchasing with reusable Pathwater bottles. If you would like to order pre-filled aluminum reusable Pathwater bottles that are co-branded with the CSUDH logo, departments can place an order (by case of 12 bottles) directly with the campus warehouse by e-mailing Dino Hernandez at dhernandez@csudh.edu.

Please include:

  • the quantity of cases you would like
  • the campus location where you would like them delivered
  • and your department chargeback chartfield information

Bottles are $21.00 per case ($1.75 each).


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