Plant-Forward Menus

Eating with Intention

Plant-rich diets are one of the most impactful solutions to climate change. “Plant-forward” refers to a dietary approach that emphasizes plant-based foods while still allowing for some animal products in smaller amounts. The focus is on making plant-based foods the central component of meals, promoting a diverse range of vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. We are constantly innovating our recipes to feature plant-based foods that provide balanced nutrition while also introducing guests’ palettes to a new and exciting range of tastes.  

Promoting Plant-Based Foods Without Compromising Choice  

Our menus and station displays are intentionally designed to allow our guests to explore a diverse range of plant-based foods, while still allowing for the addition of animal-based protein. Vegetarian options are available at every restaurant on campus and residential dining hall stations lead with plant-based option. Additionally, guests are encouraged to utilize the filter system on our menu webpages to see what vegetarian, vegan, and Coolfood meals are available at any given location.  

Climate Friendly Ingredients Make Climate Friendly Meals  

The Coolfood Pledge and Coolfood Meals: Harvest Table Culinary Group is signed onto the Coolfood Pledge, committed to reducing food-related greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. by 25% by 2030. Coolfood Meals have a low carbon footprint compared to the average meal and are certified by the World Resources Institute. Read more about Coolfoods here and look out for the icon on our menus! 

The Mushroom Burger: Our beef patties used for hamburgers and cheeseburgers served on the grill at the Pit and Hilltop Market use a 30% mushroom and 70% beef blend, reducing our overall usage of beef, while maintaining the quality, taste, and experience of a full beef burger.  

Matriark Passata: Our pizza sauce uses Matriark Food’s Tomato Passata, a puree of fresh tomato remnants from U.S.-grown produce surplus. Our partnership with Matriark allows us to take advantage of nearly perfect vegetables that otherwise would have never made the plate. Learn more here about this Carbon Neutral, Upcycled certified, and Women Owned company. 

Spare Starter: We often utilize Spare Starter in recipes for meatloaf, chili, soups, stews, and sauces, adding more veggies and flavor. Spare Starter contains full crops – root to stem – preventing a vast amount of food waste, and letting the whole vegetable shine. Learn more here how The Spare Food Co. has transformed food waste streams into revenue streams.