HU contracts Chartwells as new food service vendor
After months of research including student interviews, reference checks, campus visits and review of several extensive proposals, Huntington University is pleased to announce its new dining service partnership with Chartwells.
Chartwells is a national food service company that serves higher education clients around the country ranging from small to large universities. Chartwells has provided the best in dining solutions for more than 20 years and have been recognized for their work by the National Restaurant Association for advancements in health/nutrition and technology innovations.
“We are excited about some of the new ideas Chartwells will bring in, providing our students with the best dining options available. We also are impressed with Chartwells’ approach…providing great food through responsible business practices,” stated Ron Coffey, vice president for student life.
Chartwells adheres to a “Balanced U Sustainability” approach that addresses four basic tenets of sustainable and socially-responsible business practices: Eat Green, Build Green, Run Green, and Return Green. Chartwells purchases 100% certified seafood, cage-free shell eggs, grass-fed beef, rBGH free milk and chicken, turkey and pork produced without the routine use of antibiotics. The company also offers Fair Trade Certified sustainable coffee on many campuses. Chartwells is committed to purchasing locally-grown and organic produce whenever possible in support of local communities
Other sustainability practices include such programs as trayless dining service and Project Clean Plate, which promotes food waste awareness. Trim Trax tracks measures and reduces kitchen waste. Chartwells also uses biodegradable consumer food packaging, plates and utensils made from compostable materials such as bamboo and corn byproducts. It also provides reusable food and beverage containers, as well as reusable shopping bags and many of their campus vans run on bio-diesel fuel. Chartwells’ commitment to sustainability is further strengthened by the global resources of its parent company, Compass Group North America.
“We sincerely appreciate the relationship we had with Sodexo and its personnel. We fully realize the value of our present front-line dining service staff and these individuals will be offered positions with Chartwells similar to what they have now,” said Greg Smitley, vice president for business and finance/treasurer. “Our new partnership with Chartwells will provide students a top-shelf dining experience without sacrificing food quality or increasing costs.”
Chartwells will begin service to the campus in July.
