Being located in one of the most fertile regions in Canada has afforded the University of Windsor opportunities to source foods from local farmers, says executive chef Paolo Vasapolli.

Those efforts have earned Food Services a unique distinction, as the only university in the province certified under the Culinary Tourism Alliance’s Feast On program, which recognizes businesses committed to sourcing and celebrating Ontario-grown food and drink.

According to an audit conducted as part of the certification process, residence dining purchases more than one-quarter of its food from local producers.

Valerie Keast of the Culinary Tourism Alliance says the certification lets patrons know they’re supporting the province’s food system.

“Supporting our local economy and Ontario’s farmers is important, especially for the food service industry. It builds our local food identity, it puts dollars back into our communities, and it limits our environmental impact,” she says.

“A Feast On certification proves you’re fighting the good fight.”

Vasapolli says he is proud of the recognition.

“It’s another great accomplishment for Food Services,” he says. “After a year of work and COVID in the middle of all this, we finally achieved certification of our commitment to local.”