What “bioregional assets” does UNE have?

The idea to bridge a university culture with the community is a task many colleges try to accomplish. UNE does this by having bee hives on campus that also influence the community. The hives bring honey in that is sold and given out to people. Another example of this is the aquaponic labs that grow food and have the living wall in the commons. The food is sold, and the wall is a green space within the building. 

Reflect on your meals for the past 24 hours and evaluate how many “whole” foods you have consumed? Share your reflection 

My meals in the last 24 hours were mixed between “whole foods” and fast foods. I was able to have a “whole” foods breakfast with oatmeal and honey with fresh fruit. My lunch however was fries and chicken most of this was not sustainable or whole. For dinner I enjoyed a salad that was whole and good. The hardships of living on a campus and trying to consume better foods is that convenience is everything. If a campus has limited options then the students have a limited option as well. 

What UNE initiatives are aware of that pertain to food? Ask your peers and professors. How could these initiatives be expanded?

The initiatives the UNE has for food are the living wall and bee hives. The honey and food that are done on campus are sold to the students. UNE also provides local, and organic food at the dining hall throughout the year. These could be expanded by having gardens on campus for students to use so they can grow foods that they want to. Better kitchens for students would also improve the food problems on campus as well. 

Consider the questions at the bottom of page 56 and try to answer it yourself 

UNE supplies students with the knowledge of the nutrients in the food that is made. Where and when the food was produced is not the common knowledge of the students. Students come into UNE having to take classes that discuss sustainability but those practices are not 100% done on campus. It would cost more to provide local and sustainably sourced food but it should still be done.

What has this chapter left you wondering? 

This chapter of food has made me think more about university campuses and how food has such an impact. I am left wondering what are other campuses that do not have these classes and these ideas do for their food?