Naz Dining brings a micro-farm to the Dining Commons
Nazareth University has installed a Micro-Farm in the Dining Commons, where students can watch their food grow. Micro-Farms are designed to increase sustainable food sourcing and engagement while creating unique culinary experiences.
Nazareth University Dining, operated by Sodexo, announced the new partnership with Babylon Micro-Farms, an industry-leading company providing an all-in-one, year-round, indoor farming experience.
Nazareth Dining chose Babylon Micro-Farms as a partner based on the company’s experience in providing smart indoor farming units across the United States. Through the company’s efforts, locally sourced foods are available on many campuses across the U.S.
“We are very excited to partner with Babylon to bring fresh-grown herbs, microgreens, and vegetables to campus,” Nazareth Dining Executive Chef Wilson Castillo said. “Being able to watch these items grow from seedlings until they’re ready to be harvested and eaten gives people an elegant visual of the whole process. We are excited to see this program grow and thrive.”
Items that can be grown in the micro-farm include: lettuces such as romaine and iceberg; leafy greens such as bok choy and kale; herbs such as sage, thyme, mint and basil; and flowers such as marigolds and pansies. Items grown in the on-campus micro-farm will be incorporated into dishes as ingredients or garnishes, and the dining team is planning several student activities involving the micro-farm.
Babylon’s on-site indoor farm fits with Nazareth University Dining's mission to provide sustainable, clean, and fresh food for the betterment, health, and longevity of students and the Earth. The partnership bodes well as both groups share the common initiative of sustainability and providing locally sourced options to those they serve.
“We are proud to have partners such as Nazareth University Dining who share the same vision as us, and we are working toward a healthier future for how food is grown,” Babylon Micro-Farms CEO Alexander Olesen said.
About Babylon Micro-Farms
Built on the basis of sustainability, Babylon Micro-Farms continues to bring the benefits of sustainable hydroponic farming to more and more people every day. Babylon Micro-Farms is able to achieve their goal through their on-site farming service, making farming simple for anyone. Babylon is the most affordable, efficient, and advanced vertical farming platform available, remotely managed through the cloud with unparalleled customer service.
About Sodexo
Sodexo, as a global company, provides clients with an integrated offering developed over more than 50 years of experience: from food services, reception, maintenance, and cleaning to facilities and equipment management; from services and programs fostering employees’ engagement to solutions that simplify and optimize their mobility and expenses management, to in-home assistance, childcare centers and concierge services.
For More Information
Julie Long | Senior News & PR Officer | jlong2@naz.edu | (585) 389-2456 | (585) 781-8186 (cell)
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.
