UNH Food & Society (FAS) Projects

Dual Major in EcoGastronomy

Integrating UNH's strengths in sustainable agriculture, hospitality management, and nutrition, the new Dual Major in EcoGastronomy -- the first of its kind in US higher education! -- offers a unique academic program emphasizing the interdisciplinary, international, and experiential knowledge that connects all three fields. And as a dual major, the program provides a complement to any primary major. The program is a unique partnership between the Whittemore School of Business & Economics and the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, in collaboration with the University Office of Sustainability. Learn more...

 

Food Solutions New England

Food Solutions New England (FSNE) is a University of New Hampshire-based initiative designed to promote food systems that support sustainable farm and food enterprises and sound nutrition in New England communities. FSNE promotes comprehensive, systemic approaches linking farm, food, nutrition, and social justice issues using analysis and visualization to help improve the integrity and viability of the regional food system.

 

Local Harvest Initiative

In recognition of the many benefits vibrant agriculture affords New Hampshire, the UNH Local Harvest Initiative raises awareness and educates students, staff, and community members about our local agricultural landscape and its role in sustaining our physical and economical health and well-being, now and in the future. This initiative includes increasing local food served on campus (such as cage-free eggs, local honey, and produce from local farms), hosting the award-winning Local Harvest Dinner, and supporting the UNH Compost Program. In addition, UNH Dining has renovated the campus Dairy Bar to a "Local-Sustainable-Fresh" eatery, which includes serving local and regional foods, recycling and composting waste, using biodegradable containers, and more.

 

New Hampshire Farm to School Program

Thousands of school children -- over half the K-12 schools in the state -- enjoy eating and learning about the benefits of locally grown products throught The New Hampshire Farm to School Program housed at UOS. The program is designed to connect local farms and farm products to New Hampshire classrooms and cafeterias by integrating agricultural production, school food procurement, and school curriculum.

 

Organic Dairy Research Farm

The UNH Organic Dairy Research Farm, the first of its kind at a land-grant university, provides research to New England farmers and training to UNH students. The farm is part of UNH's commitment to sustainability and the renaissance of food and agriculture in New Hampshire. It is complemented by related UNH research, including research in dairy nutrition.

 

Organic Garden Club

Founded in 2003, the student-run Organic Garden Club (OGC) was voted UNH’s Student Organization of the Year in 2007. The OGC maintains a two-acre site on a 30-acre, USDA certified organic parcel of land on the UNH Durham campus - the first certified organic land on campus. The OGC grows a variety of produce, which it sells to UNH Dining and at a weekly farm stand on campus (Wednesdays July through September from 11 AM –2 PM in Murkland Courtyard). The OGC also helps to host a free monthly Durham community dinner at the Waysmeet Center.

 

UNH Passport to Food Citizenship: September 21-October 24, 2011

Food Day is a new, national, annual celebration on October 24th created by the Center for Science in the Public Interest to increase awareness and action for a more sustainable food future. UNH will be participating in Food Day with a month-long series of activities, culminating in a signature event on October 24th. A “passport” will be created for participants to have “stamped” at qualified events leading up to the Oct. 24th event will be launched in conjunction with UNH’s annual Local Harvest Feast on Sept. 21st. Participants will select events or activities to attend (to be listed online). Participants must gather 6 stamps in order to be entered into a raffle during the culminating event on Oct. 24th.

 

Additional Activities

Every year, we engage in a variety of activities related to its FAS Intiative which are not captured under a specific project. These include co-sponsoring various events, collaborating with partners on emerging projects, presenting at meetings and conferences, and more. Some recent include: