Fresh Food Company gets certified as a green restaurant

BOWLING GREEN Ky.-The Fresh Food Company restaurant on the campus of Western Kentucky University is going green.

During a ribbon cutting Thursday, the dining establishment was named the first green restaurant in Bowling Green, and the first green restaurant at any college in the state. Speaking at the event, WKU President Dr. Timothy Caboni said the status represents the core values of WKU.

“We’re proud, and it’s a differentiator for us in the state that we are not just a place that believes in being green, we continue to invest in that. Being first in the Commonwealth with this designation for a restaurant is really important for us,” Caboni said.

To earn the distinction from the Green Restaurant Association, a restaurant must take strides in eliminating food waste and minimizing chemical use. Fresh Food Company has done this through composting, and by using biodegradable products among other things. Students took a tour of the magic that happens behind the scenes to earn this status.

Fresh Food Company is a popular choice among many students, who say they stop by two to three times a week.

“It’s awesome. I love coming here with my friends. They have really great food and they accommodate to all types of food people eat,” said sophomore Jack Reese.

“If it’s the only restaurant in Bowling Green and the only campus to have a green certification, that’s pretty progressive I’d say,” added sophomore Jesus Blanco.

WKU director of sustainability Dr. Leslie North said getting to this point wasn’t an easy task, but it was well worth the effort.

“It does take a lot of hard work. It does require a true commitment to be sustainable. I think it really sets the stage for a lot of fun and unique initiatives that we can propel into the future,” North said.