January 28, 2015 — The University of Massachusetts Dining Services is up for another award – and this may be its biggest yet.
Last fall, UMass Dining Services was nominated for the Seaweb Seafood Champion Award in the Innovation category. According to the Seaweb website, UMass has identified itself as one of the top four institutions or individuals worldwide that “applies creative new solutions to address: ecological challenges, existing market needs and barriers to sustainability.” The other three nominees are Project: Inshore from the United Kingdo., Dave Kellian, a pelagic fisher from New Zealand and Anova Food’s Fishing and Living of the United States.
The winner will be announced on Feb. 9 at the SeaWeb Seafood Summit in New Orleans. And while Ken Toong, executive director of Auxiliary Enterprises, admitted he was humbled by the nomination, he was excited UMass Dining Services was being recognized for their work.
“We always take a leadership role,” Toong said of UMass’ involvement in the food services industry. “Sustainability and providing healthy and delicious food – those are our core values.”
They are values that have been present in UMass’ recent commitment to incorporating seafood into its dining halls. One of the strategies that Toong said highlights the importance placed on sustainability is the use of local, underutilized fish.
Read the full story from The Massachusetts Daily Collegian