How Chartwells Cultivates Sustainability on Campuses
In today’s world, where every choice can ripple out to make a difference, Chartwells Canada is showing us how campus dining can be a powerful force for good. Through innovative programs and a strong partnership with Fairtrade Canada, Chartwells is creating not just meals, but moments of change — one plate, one student, and one community at a time.
A Menu with Purpose: Chartwells’ Core Programs
Chartwells believes that sustainability should feel as good as it tastes. That’s why their programs are designed to go beyond filling plates — they fill a growing need for environmental and social responsibility on campuses across Canada. Some highlights include:
- Planet Promise and Waste Not 2.0: Tackling food waste head-on, these initiatives help reduce waste through innovative tracking systems and bring sustainably produced, Fairtrade-certified products to the table.
- Fairtrade Integration: Chartwells doesn’t just offer Fairtrade coffee, tea, chocolate, and bananas; they spark conversations about responsible consumption through targeted communication campaigns to educate students on the importance of Fairtrade and how their purchasing decisions support global sustainability and equity.
- Too Good To Go: By integrating technology like the Too Good To Go marketplace app, Chartwells is making surplus food available at reduced prices, preventing waste while offering affordable options for students.
- Menu Works: This initiative optimizes food production planning to ensure that just the right amount of food is prepared, reducing waste while maintaining quality and service for students.
Showcasing the Waste Not 2.0 technology
Aligning with Gen Z’s Priorities
Fairtrade plays a vital role in Chartwells’ sustainability strategy by aligning with students’ growing preference for ethical and sustainable dining options. Indeed, according to research from E15, Chartwells’ internal data and analytics team:
- 79% of Gen Z students recognize the Fairtrade Mark, and
- 61% actively choose Fairtrade products when available.
This connection between Gen Z values and Fairtrade action underscores the importance of offering these products to create a dining experience that resonates with students.
Stories of Impact
Chartwells’ work is more than numbers; it’s about people and communities. At Simon Fraser University, their efforts contributed to Canada’s first Gold Fair Trade Campus designation, setting a standard for others to follow. They also partner with York University, who hold a Silver Fair Trade Campus designation, as well as 9 other Fair Trade Campuses nationwide, aligning sourcing practices with Fairtrade Standards, clearly demonstrating their commitment to advancing ethical sourcing on campuses.
Elysha Fong, Simon Fraser University Fairtrade Ambassador 2019
Chartwells is also addressing food insecurity with initiatives like their partnership with Second Harvest, redistributing surplus food to those in need, helping to reduce waste and combat hunger. Chartwells currently has 60 locations signed up to the platform. In 2024 alone, Compass Group Canada, which Chartwells is the higher education division of, donated more than 198,000 meals across their business.
Another impactful initiative? Their Foodbuy division also helps streamline food bank supply ordering, in partnership with Students’ Unions. Collaborating with Chartwells dietitians, they vet nutritious and culturally inclusive items to meet dietary needs and preferences, ensuring food banks are stocked effectively and efficiently.
Students at the Heart of Change
For Chartwells, students are not just diners — they are changemakers. By combining education, skill-building, and direct support, Chartwells empowers students to take action on sustainability and food security, creating a positive impact on campus and beyond.
One of their key educational initiatives is the annual Connecting Through Food campaign, which raises awareness about food security and sustainability while providing opportunities for students to engage through educational content, interactive activities, and donation drives. This helps students understand the systems behind food production and consumption, preparing them to make informed, sustainable choices.
In addition, programs like teaching kitchens and cooking demos provide hands-on learning experiences where students can develop essential culinary skills while understanding how to reduce food waste, select local ingredients, and prepare balanced meals.As a division of Compass Group, Chartwells also participates in the global Stop Food Waste Day campaign, an annual event on April 30 dedicated to raising awareness about food waste reduction. Through interactive on-campus activations, resources, and social media campaigns, students learn practical tips to minimize food waste, both on and off campus, fostering long-term sustainable habits.
Stop Food Waste Day campaign, 2023
Putting Communities First
Chartwells collaborates with local communities to promote sustainability and equity by sourcing from local suppliers through their Buy Local program, which emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients while supporting regional economies. This program fosters strong partnerships with smaller local suppliers, facilitating the procurement process while ensuring adherence to strict Health and Safety and Quality Assurance processes. This community-first approach reinvests every dollar the chefs spend on local products back into the regional food system, generating jobs and prosperity for the community.
Their partnership with Fairtrade Canada also leads to equitable practices across their supply chain, providing products that uphold fairer wages and ethical treatment for farmers and workers globally. These combined efforts create meaningful connections and drive positive change, both locally and around the world.
A Future We Can All Taste
Through their partnership with Fairtrade Canada and a deep commitment to sustainability, Chartwells Canada is proving that dining can be delicious and meaningful. They’re empowering students to make choices that matter, supporting communities near and far, and showing us all how small steps can lead to big change.
In every bite, sip, and moment shared at the table, Chartwells serves more than food — they’re serving a vision for a better world.
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