Homegrown and Handcrafted:
Discover UVic’s Approach to In-House Cooking
At the University of Victoria, the Food Services department not only nourishes thousands of students daily but also upholds a steadfast commitment to quality and sustainability. This feature explores how UVic Food Services seamlessly integrates local sourcing with skilled professionals and a sustainable culture to create a dining experience that is as wholesome as it is delicious.
Culinary Expertise
At UVic, food service is defined by the outstanding talents of chefs and food safety professionals. Thanks to rigorous training in food safety and a passion for customer service excellence, our staff ensure that each meal meets the highest standard of taste and quality. This commitment ensures consistent excellence across all dining venues.
Commitment to Local and Sustainable Sourcing
Sustainability is at the core of our sourcing strategy. Strong partnerships with local businesses such as Fernwood Coffee, Cakes Etc, B&C Food Distributors, Island West Produce, Eugene’s Greek Food, Hot House Pizza, and Irene’s Bakery, help reduce environmental impact and support the local economy. Every ingredient that enters our kitchens is carefully vetted to ensure top quality and sustainability.
Dynamic Menus for Every Taste
Our menus are ever-evolving, crafted to reflect the availability of the freshest local ingredients and the diverse tastes of our student body. We offer a variety of dining options to cater to different dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-friendly choices, ensuring that all students can enjoy a delicious and appropriate meal.
The Value of In-House Preparation
By preparing meals in-house, we maintain complete control over quality, freshness, and cost. This approach not only offers great value but also ensures that each dish is a personal culinary experience. While food prices continue to rise across Canada, our team gives thoughtful consideration to what it uses and prepares in order to reflect fairly priced offerings in all our menus. Our pricing reflects the thoughtful consideration of ingredient costs, the effort involved in preparation, and operational expenses. Additionally, we're excited to offer the Everyday Value Menu at all UNFS locations, featuring affordable options, all marked with an orange value icon for easy selection.
Leading the Way in Sustainable Dining
UVic Food Services is committed to the university's sustainability goals, working diligently to minimize our carbon footprint and reduce waste. Through constant feedback and regular menu updates, we strive to meet customer preferences and enhance satisfaction, promoting a dining environment that supports both individual health and the well-being of the community. As a proud Feed BC partner, UVic Food Services consistently exceeds the requirement that at least 30% of food products be sourced locally in British Columbia, aligning with the university's broader mission to promote sustainability and support local economies. This commitment not only supports Feed BC’s certification criteria but also contributes to the university's reputation in sustainable dining practices.
At UVic Food Services, we take pride in our focus on sustainable and in-house dining. Our efforts are dedicated to ensuring that every meal is not only nourishing but also contributes to a sustainable future for everyone. Join us in celebrating a tradition of culinary excellence and environmental responsibility at the University of Victoria.