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Sustainability

Food

NC State is a world leader in agricultural-related research, academia, engagement and dining.

Food matters to everyone. With a growing global population and increasing food needs, sustainable food production is crucial.

NC State leads the way with cutting-edge research and top-rated academic programs in agriculture. These programs directly impact North Carolina, where agriculture is the state’s largest industry.

15K

pounds of produce grown at the Agroecology Education Farm was used by NC State Dining last year.

What We Do

Local Food

NC State Dining features award-winning sustainability programs focused on sourcing local food, water conservation, composting, recycling cooking oil and several other waste reduction initiatives.
student kneels down next to pollinator plant outdoors

Pollinators

Pollinators are vital to our food supply, making their health paramount to sustainable food systems.  From classrooms to research labs and in landscapes all over campus, learn how NC State protects pollinators.
Young woman in garden smiling

Gardens

NC State’s campus is home to multiple student-run gardens growing food, building community and fostering a better understanding of sustainable agricultural practices.
Marcus McFarland with jars of preserved food

Education and Outreach

NC State’s Cooperative Extension offers numerous resources related to agriculture and food.
student at feed the pack food pantry helps to fill a basket with canned goods

Food Security

Feed the Pack Food Pantry serves all NC State faculty, staff and students. The pantry is part of the Pack Essentials Hub, which helps ensure students’ basic needs are met.

Research

NC State is a global leader in interdisciplinary food research, from agricultural practices to feed our growing populations to transforming food waste into a resource.

University-based research includes Plants for Human Health Institute, Center for Environmental Farming Systems and the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service.

NC State Extension offers the following resources related to agriculture and food.

The following opportunities are available on NC State’s campus:

How You Can Help

CALS Alumni Sankofa Bell at his farm in NC

1. Eat local food to support community farmers and reduce the environmental impacts of food shipment.

2. Minimize food waste. An estimated 40% of the U.S. food supply is wasted annually.

3. Grow your own food and start a garden.

4. Volunteer at local gardens and food pantries to help feed the community.