The Bulk Foods Program is an exciting new initiative of the University of Arizona's Campus Pantry, supported by the Campus Sustainability Fund, that aims to increase the inventory and variety of food items available at distributions in order to ensure everyone has equal access to food and to become more comprehensive in addressing basic needs and food insecurity. Users will be able to select from a variety of dried food items such as rice, beans, and grains to be stored in reusable containers through this no-waste bulk foods program. Containers will be provided at no cost and can be returned to any distribution to be refilled, reducing the amount of single-use plastic packaging produced by some non-perishable commodities.
An incredible 5,264 jars have been distributed and filled through the Bulk Foods Program. They offer many types of dry legumes, gluten free options, pastas, baking staples, and spices. The project team has shared that every semester students are getting more used to bringing their jars to refill and that some folks have been bringing their own jars to refill, which shows us the success in spreading the message of sustainability and minimizing packaging.
