Forward Food Collaborative

Meet the Forward Food Collaborative

Frequently asked questions

What is the Forward Food Collaborative?

Achieving a better, more plant-forward food system is a big goal. The Forward Food Collaborative is comprised of over one hundred institutions striving to increase their sustainable, plant-based offerings as well as organizations that offer resources and support to achieve these goals.

What is the Forward Food Pledge and who is it for?

One of the ways to join the Forward Food Collaborative is by signing the Forward Food Pledge. The Forward Food Pledge is a simple and straightforward opportunity for any college, university, K-12 school, healthcare institution, hospital or food service management company to set streamlined goals around increasing plant-based menu items and/or reducing animal product purchases.

What is the Forward Food Collaborative Council?

The Forward Food Collaborative Council brings together a distinguished group of leading colleges and universities from across the United States, that share a commitment to advancing sustainable, forward-thinking dining practices. Its inaugural cohort includes University of Colorado Boulder, Oregon State University, Rutgers University, University of California, Berkeley, University of California, Los Angeles, University of Arizona, University of Michigan, University of North Texas, University of Texas at Austin, and Washington State University.

What goals does our team assist with?

Our team of experts can assist with any type of goal! For new goals, we suggest our Forward Food Pledge, which offers the option to set a menu and/or a procurement goal. A menu goal allows institutions or companies to achieve serving at least 30% plant-based meals within a five-year timeframe. A procurement goal allows institutions or companies to achieve reducing their animal product purchases by at least 10% within a five-year timeframe.

What information do institutions and companies need to provide?

We ask participating institutions and companies to provide baseline data including the number of meals served per day, the number of plant-based meals served per day and the average percent of plant-based meals sales. Additionally, every 6 months we will request an updated percent of plant-based meals served to track progress. Lastly, every 12 months we will request purchasing data to track progress.

Does it cost anything to participate?

No, all of our services are 100% free.

“We know students care about good food and a healthy planet. That’s why nearly half of our menu is already plant-forward, and we’re excited to grow that to 50% by 2027. It’s one more way UCR Dining is making sustainable choices that matter.”

Lanette DickersonDirector of Culinary Operations, University of California, Riverside

“Their Forward Food program offers training, recipes, guidance and real-time collaboration that is priceless when you are considering a new plant-based program and really do not know where to start.”

J. Keith MorrisonDirector of Culinary, UT Austin

“We wanted to be one of the first companies to make a commitment to offer 50% plant-based meals. We’re well on track for that and Humane World for Animals helped us through that journey.”

Kris LensmeyerChief Innovation & Experience Officer, Fresh Ideas Food Service Management

Forward Food Collaborative institutions and companies

Dining and food service operations across the United States that have set a goal to increase their plant-based offerings and reduce their reliance on animal products.

Colleges and universities

Claremont McKenna College
Cornell University
Davidson College
Georgia Southern University
Georgia State University
Kent State University
Oregon State University*
Pitzer College
Pomona College
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rutgers University*
Smith College
The Ohio State University
The University of Texas at Austin*
University of Arizona*
University of California, Berkeley*
University of California, Davis
University of California, Los Angeles*
University of California, Riverside
University of California, San Diego
University of Colorado – Boulder*
University of Dayton
University of Maryland College Park
University of Michigan*
University of North Texas*
University of Washington
Washington State University
Western Oregon University*

*Indicates a Forward Food Collaborative Council member.

K-12 schools and school districts

Berkeley Unified School District
Capistrano Unified School District
Concord Academy
East Hampton Public Schools
Los Gatos Union School District
Middletown Public Schools
Northampton School District
Northshore School District
Public Schools of Brookline
Richfield Public Schools
Staunton City Public Schools
Tree of Life School
Trenton Special School District

Food service management companies

AVI Foodsystems, Inc.
Cafe Services Inc.
Elior North America
Fresh Ideas Food Service Management
HHS, LLC.
LPM & Affiliates dba Epicurean Feast Cafes
Metz Culinary Management
Pomptonian Food Service
Quest Food Management Services
SLA Management
Sodexo
Southwest Foodservice Excellence
Whitsons Culinary Group

Healthcare

Veterans Administration Northeast Ohio Healthcare System

Forward Food Collaborative organizations

Organizations that offer additional resources and support for achieving plant-based goals.

Ready to get started?

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