*for clearer depiction of progress, percentages placed on a 25% scale*
Progress Indicators
Percent of food sourced locally.
Percent of food purchased that qualifies as REAL food
Percent of food purchased that can be identified as plant-based
Partnering across campus to create a more sustainable food system
Food Working Group
The vision of the Food Working Group is to cultivate an environmentally sustainable and socially just food system that promotes food security, education, and local procurement within the University. Co-chaired by Carl Ipsen and Rahul Shrivastav.
Ostrom Workshop Program in Food and Agrarian Systems
The Ostrom Workshop Program in Food and Agrarian Systems at Indiana University studies the social dimensions of food sustainability including culture, equity, and justice in food provisioning from local to global. Collaborations across campus meet the need for systems level research to address complex social-ecological systems.
IU Dining
IU Dining is working to increase the amount of food sourced locally and responsibly, as well as reduce the amount of food waste on campus.
Center for Rural Engagement
The Center for Rural Engagement is working with IU students, faculty, and staff to collaborate on issues facing rural communities in Indiana. Through research, teaching and service, the CRE seeks to address a wide range of challenges, "from addiction to the arts."
Herb Garden at Hilltop
Hilltop Garden and Nature Center serves as an educational and recreational resource for youth gardening, Indiana University students and staff, and the surrounding community to learn about gardening and to connect with nature.
Crimson Cupboard
Crimson Cupboard offers free healthy food to IU Bloomington students who are struggling with food insecurity. Stocked by donations and staffed by volunteers, this special food pantry lessens the effects of poverty and food insecurity in our community.
What is REAL Food?
REAL Food takes into account the environmental, social and economic impacts of our food.
We define REAL Food by four characteristics: Ecologically Sound, Humane, Fair Trade, and Local. An item is considered REAL if it meets one of these criteria without belonging to any of the disqualifiers which include: labor or human rights violations, GMOs, CAFOs, or artificial dyes.
Fair Trade | Ecologically Sound |
| Individuals involved in food production work in safe and fair conditions, receive fair compensation, are ensured the right to organize and the right to a grievance process, and have equal opportunity for employment. | Practicing environmental stewardship that conserves biodiversity and ecosystem resilience and preserves natural resources. Production practices minimize toxic substances, greenhouse gas emissions, natural resource depletion, and environmental degradation. |
Local | Humane |
| Foods that can be traced to nearby farms, ranches, boats, and businesses that are locally owned and operated. Supporting small and mid-size food businesses challenges trends towards consolidation in the food industry and supports local economies. | Animals have their mental, physical, and behavioral needs met in a low-stress environment and throughout their life are only administered drugs for treatment of diagnosed illness or disease. |
Working to increase the ethics, equity, and ecological integrity of our food choices.
At the intersection of social and environmental sustainability, our food system has widespread impacts on people, animals, and natural resources.
Organizations to Explore
Campus Kitchen at Indiana University aims to reduce food waste and student food insecurity on IU Bloomington’s campus.
Earth Eats is a weekly podcast, public radio program and blog bringing you the freshest news and recipes inspired by local food and sustainable agriculture.
Team of students from all majors are working to make IU a Fair Trade designated university.
FED at IU is a student organization dedicated to educating IU students about cooking (both healthy and indulgent), and about the food system as a whole, with emphasis on local and sustainable systems.
Healthy IU provides educational and environmental resources to foster individual wellbeing and support a culture of wellness in the workplace and beyond.
Located at 451 N. Pete Ellis Dr. at the Hinkle-Garton Farmstead.
Volunteer hours: Saturday mornings, 9AM-12PM
The Indiana University Student Government (IUSG) is the student body government at Indiana University Bloomington.
IU student organization/community working to combat the climate crisis and secure a sustainable future.
IU's vegan and vegetarian society.
Union Board is the governing body of the Indiana Memorial Union and the largest student programming organization on campus.
How Can YOU Sustain IU?
Eat plant-based foods
Support local producers
Volunteer at the Campus Farm
Purchase REAL food on campus