CASfeteria: Fostering Sustainability Through Responsible Food Practices
Written by: Sofía Quirós
CASfeteria aims to revolutionize how we approach food by implementing traceability systems and fostering dialogue, research, and commitment to responsible food production, consumption, and waste.
At UWC Costa Rica, the Co-Curricular Area is pivotal in providing students with diverse activities that enrich their experiences throughout their time here. One such initiative, CASfeteria, spearheaded by our Sustainability Coordinator, Sofia, stands out as a beacon of sustainability within our community. CASfeteria aims to revolutionize how we approach food by implementing traceability systems and fostering dialogue, research, and commitment to responsible food production, consumption, and waste. These efforts align closely with our institution’s guiding document, the Sustainability Framework, which provides the blueprint for all our sustainability endeavors.
Nurturing Local Connections: CASfeteria’s Pursuit of Responsible Sourcing
As part of the CASfeteria project, we’re dedicated to diversifying our produce suppliers at “Caf,” focusing on organic, local, and responsibly sourced products. This shift supports small-scale farmers and strengthens our ties with the vibrant community of San Isidro, our future neighbors. By prioritizing these partnerships, we’re taking concrete steps toward aligning our cafeteria offerings with the principles outlined in our Sustainability Framework.
Exploring Sustainable Agriculture: CAS Students’ Field Trip to San Isidro Farms
On March 29th, CAS students and faculty embarked on an educational journey to the farms of San Isidro, an enriching experience facilitated by the Colectivo Agroecológico del Zurquí. Among the highlights was a visit to Pinar del Río, a farm known for its bountiful harvest of organic vegetables and edible flowers. Additionally, the group explored the farm and restaurant Potreros, where they witnessed the avocado plantation that will soon supply our Caf with delectable, organic, and locally sourced avocados starting next semester. This hands-on field trip exemplified the direct impact that initiatives like CASfeteria can have on our community’s sustainable practices.
CASfeteria is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and responsible food practices. With Sofia’s leadership and the unwavering support of the Co-Curricular Area, this initiative embodies the values enshrined in our Sustainability Framework. By prioritizing responsible sourcing and forging local connections, we are taking significant strides toward a more sustainable future for our campus and beyond.
Our mission: To cultivate in young people the passion and ability to serve humanity and our planet—learning from nature and from each other for a lifetime.