Food has a large impact on our physical health, mental wellbeing and the environment.

The team at Chartwells, our catering partners, work hard to improve their offer of freshly prepared, healthy, affordable, ethical and sustainable food, that is of course delicious, and have achieved the 3 star Food Made Good Sustainability Award in 2023 (pdf, 314kb).

We are also proud to be the only university in the UK to achieve 3 star Fairtrade University status, within the Fairtrade Universities & Colleges scheme, ran by Fairtrade Foundation and SOS-UK.

As a University, we commit to promoting plant-based and low-carbon meals as well as minimising food waste in order to reduce our environmental impact. We have a Cup Exchange Scheme and a coffee cup tax to discourage the use of single-use cups, and we are proud to be the first Refill Campus, with 45 brightly coloured water refill points across our campuses to support our staff, students and guests avoid single-use plastic water bottles.

Visit our People and Policies page to see the most up to date policies: Sustainable and Ethical Food Policy, Sustainable Procurement Policy and Fairtrade Policy.

50%
Over 50% of the food served in Fusion Building and by SUAV was vegetarian or vegan in 2023-24
3 star
We are a 3 star Fairtrade University, and achieved a 3 star Food Made Good award from SRA
10
single-use plastic items including sauce packets and takeaway containers have been removed from our catering operations

Alice Evans

BSc Nutrition student, who completed a work placement with Chartwells

"This placement was a brilliant opportunity to learn so many new technical skills that I’m excited to use in my future career. The whole process was very rewarding, especially because the final range of products are available nationally to buy and enjoy!

What can I do?

Dairy
Veganism can sound intimidating but it's better for the planet, animals and your health. Why not try a milk alternative (oat is our fave!) or switching eggs in your baking out for bananas?

Hear from our supplier

Chartwells at AV is delighted to have achieved a 3 star rating in the Sustainable Restaurant Association Food Made Good Sustainability standard – the highest possible rating."

Shane Wilson – Catering Manager Talbot Campus