Sustainability Initiatives

"Green" Instruction and Operations
A primary learning outcome within the Cascade Culinary Institute® curriculum model is to teach students about current industry standards that relate with sustainable restaurant industry practices. The Farm-to-Table course and Elevation restaurant serve as mediums where students are exposed to the principles of sustainability as it relates with food/beverage sourcing, waste management and energy conservation. Our goal is to embrace Eat Local principles and to integrate sustainable operational practices that students can implement in their future careers within the hospitality industry. Our menu features locally-sourced produce, proteins, cheeses, grains, and all Oregon-produced alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Sustainability also guides the operational aspect of the facility. Throughout the Jungers Culinary Center, waste is minimized through a formal program that manages composting, recycling, and the use of green chemicals for warewashing. The Jungers Culinary Center was constructed to Earth Advantage Commercial Gold certification standards. Green construction and energy efficiency practices include:

Radiant floor heating
High efficiency exhaust hoods
Tank-free on-demand water heaters
1.5% of the total construction budget for the Jungers Culinary Center contributes to solar energy elsewhere on the COCC campus.
Students at Central Oregon Community College also approved a 25 cents per credit hike in student fees to finance renewable energy purchases and sustainability projects for the campus. The fee is used first to buy wind power to meet about 75% of campus electricity needs. The wind energy is purchased through Pacific Power's Blue Sky green power program. Any excess funds generated from the fee goes into a "Flexible Sustainability Fund" to be allocated for campus sustainability projects.

Receive email notices about upcoming events and the annual Farm-to-Table Dinner.

Regional Producers and Resources

Local Harvest - Bend
Organic Farms
Agricultural Connections
RainShadow Organics
Central Oregon Community Food Assessment Blog
Pine Mountain Buffalo Ranch
DD Ranch
Fresh Start Farms

Farmers Markets

Central Oregon Locavore Online Farmers Market
Bend Farmers Market
Northwest Crossing Farmers Market
Redmond Farmers Market
Eagle Crest Farmers Market
Sisters armers Market
LaPine Farmers Market

Local Food Reviews

John Gottberg Travel & Dining
Bite, Central Oregon Magazine
Bend Bulletin
The Source Weekly
Where to Eat Guide

Microbrews

Bend Ale Trail
Beervana - Local Breweries

Local Food Carts

Food Carts

Dietary Oriented Dining

Gluten-Free Dining