SFU’s Rooted dining program awarded grand prize from national organization

Simon Fraser University (SFU) has been honored with three prestigious awards from the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) for 2024: a grand prize for the Sustainability Awards category, a gold award for in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion/Social Justice, and a silver award for Innovative Dining Program of the Year. 

NACUFS consists of member institutions across North America dedicated to promoting healthier, more sustainable campus environments while fostering lasting, positive impacts within campus communities.

Grand Prize Sustainability Award and Gold Award for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion/Social Justice

The NACUFS Sustainability Awards recognize the pivotal role dining services play in advancing environmental sustainability and social responsibility of a campus. This year SFU initially won a gold award in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion/Social Justice for its Rooted dining program. Subsequently, SFU ended up winning the grand prize in the Sustainability Awards category.   

Rooted, a program focused on showcasing Indigenous cuisine at SFU’s Dining Commons, was developed in collaboration with Indigenous Chef Steph Baryluk. 

The menu features dishes inspired by Indigenous ingredients and flavors, with educational resources and personal notes from Chef Steph. “By sharing Indigenous culture we are continuing our culture for the generations to come,” says Chef Steph.

Students experience both culinary discovery and cultural appreciation upon learning about the recipes’ cultural significance and ingredients displayed at serving stations.  

“One important value for the Gwich’in people is NIHK’ATR’INAATII which translates to sharing and caring, my hope is to continue to share and shine the light on our rich culture.”

Silver Innovative Dining Program of the Year

SFU's dining program also earned a silver award for innovation, recognized for its forward-thinking initiatives. Highlights include Canada’s only 24/7 all-you-care-to-eat facility at Dining Commons, offering diverse international cuisine that celebrates and educates students about global cultures. This also features the Rooted Indigenous Food Program, providing students with the unique opportunity to explore Indigenous culture and cuisine.

In alignment with its commitment to sustainability and climate action, SFU sources at least 30 per cent of its food locally from British Columbia, is committed to increasing plant-based menu options by 50 per cent by 2025, uses 100 per cent reusable dishware, composts over 90 per cent of its waste, and bans single-use plastic beverage containers across campus. 

Other innovative achievements that contributed to this award include the LEED Gold certification of the recently renovated Dining Commons, Canada’s only Fairtrade Gold Campus designation, and SFU’s status as a Certified Living Wage Campus, ensuring all food contract employees receive a fair wage.

To stay updated on upcoming Rooted days at Dining Commons, follow SFU Food’s account. Rooted also recently launched its catering menu at Burnaby campus for events booked through MECS.