Why Local?
University Farm — like the rest of Case Western Reserve University — has sustainability and responsible environmental practices as its highest priority. Our partnership with the Bon Appetit Management Company allows us to align our sustainability goals for our food production with those of the campus' food service provider, which has a proven track record of sustainable practices.
This synergy allows for our students, faculty and staff to be served fresh, locally grown food from their very own farm, located a mere ten miles to the east.
The Farm Food Program also practices sustainability by locally sourcing as many of its products as possible. To support local establishments wherever possible, supplies are obtained from local vendors. Our hoop houses, for example, are designed by Tunnel Vision Hoops in Cleveland. Other local suppliers include Chagrin Valley Nurseries in Gates Mills, and Waldo and Associates in Perrysburg. Ivy Garth Seeds and Plants Inc. in Chesterland donated more than $300 in seeds for the 2011 season. With more than 90,000 seeds donated, we hope to use all 57 varieties!
In many cases, the raw materials for some of these supplies are locally manufactured as well. Many of the materials supplied by these local vendors are also manufactured in the area. For example, the plastics for the growing containers are made in Middlefield and Akron.
