Massachusetts Agricultural Commissioner Visits Campus

On May 23, Commissioner Ashley E. Randle of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources visited the UMass Dining Services team led by Ken Toong and Garett Distefano. Also in attendance were Vice Chancellor Andrew Mangels, Provost Tricia Serio and local Hadley Farmer Joe Czajkowski.

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After a tour of Worcester Commons (opened in 2020) and lunch featuring a locally sourced menu, Commissioner Randle received an overview of the nation’s leading collegiate dining program, including its culturally driven, globally inspired menu featuring local produce, as well as its first in the nation menu carbon-rating program.

Current and future initiatives were discussed, focusing on local sourcing and extending the season’s bounty by using more frozen foods, as well as better communicating the stories of local farmers.  Both sides pledged to continue to work together to expand the use of all things Massachusetts grown and raised, including the fisheries industry.

For more information about UMass Dining Services local sourcing initiatives or sustainability practices, please visit localumass.com or contact Christopher Howland cholwand@umass.edu.