Take the
Forward Food Challenge
Help us reach our goal of eliminating 50,000 pounds of carbon-equivalent emissions!
The Forward Food Challenge is a three-week-long sustainability initiative where we are urging dining operations across the country to help us collectively save 50,000 pounds of carbon-equivalent emissions by showcasing new and delicious plant-forward menu items in their cafeterias and on their social media channels. Food service professionals can sign up to take the challenge below!
Sign up for the Forward Food Challenge
FAQ’s about the Forward Food Challenge
Who can participate in the Forward Food Challenge?
The Forward Food Challenge is for any individual college, university, K-12 school or district, health care institution or hospital, or food service management company that is interested in showcasing their plant-based menu items.
What do I have to do if I accept the Forward Food Challenge?
By joining the Forward Food Challenge, you are agreeing to replace one (1) meat-based dish with one (1) plant-based dish, every day for three weeks from Nov. 1, 2021 to Apr. 30, 2022. The plant-based menu items can be developed by your chefs or you can use the plant-based recipe packet we put together for you. Additionally, you are agreeing to share photos of your plant-based menu items on social media.
What information would I have to provide?
By joining the Forward Food Challenge, you will need to provide your name and email address, your institution’s name, details about which meat-based dishes you are taking off your menu for the challenge, details about which plant-based dishes you are using to replace the meat-based dishes during the challenge, and an approximate number of meals served each day.
How do I share about the recipes on social media?
Participating institutions can take photos of the plant-based menu items and share on at least one of their institution’s social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook, and/or Twitter). Make sure to tag us @ForwardFoodCollaborative on Instagram and Facebook and @ForwardFood on Twitter. You should also use the hashtags #ForwardFoodChallenge and #ForwardFood.
What recipes can I add to my menus?
You can add any plant-based recipe to your menus. We have carefully curated a set of plant-based recipes for you to use but, you may also let your chefs develop these limited-time-offer recipes. Just remember, the recipes should not contain any animal products.
What resources do I get if I accept the Forward Food Challenge?
Participants will receive a weekly email during the challenge with marketing tips & tricks and other helpful resources. Participants will also receive a carefully curated set of recipes to choose from, in addition to shareable graphics and printable fliers to use at your discretion. All participants will have the opportunity to be featured on our newsletter, social media channels, press release and website.
What will the winner get?
We will choose one winner who saved the most carbon emissions with their menu changes. This winner will receive a free greenhouse gas emissions assessment conducted by Dr. Isaac Emery.
Where can I find out more about the official rules for the Forward Food Challenge?
You may download the official Forward Food Challenge rules here.
