Reducing Food Waste & Developing a Recovery Strategy for AMS Catering & Conferences

Background and Research Purpose Food waste and food insecurity coexist at the University of British Columbia (UBC): edible surplus from catered events is discarded while 30-40% of students experience food insecurity. Free Food Alert (FFA) systems, a mobile app notifying students when surplus food is available, has successfully operated at universities including University of Ottawa and Western Washington University. This research evaluated the feasibility and desirability of implementing FFA at Alma Mater Society Nest Catering & Conferences (AMS Nest C&C). Methods Mixed-methods research conducted March 2026 included: student survey (n=148), observational audits of two catering events, stakeholder interview with UBC Food Services management, analysis of 2023-2025 sales data, and literature review. Key Findings Student demand is substantial: 87% interested in FFA notifications, 80% likely to pick up food, 90% willing to walk 10+ minutes to collect free surplus food, and 71% on campus 5+ days weekly. Food insecurity is prevalent: 84% choose lower-cost groceries, 47% ate less than they should, and 34% experienced hunger due to insufficient funds. However, significant feasibility barriers exist. UBC Legal approval is required before implementation (estimated 3-6 months). The stakeholder interview revealed 95% of catering surplus is already repurposed internally; therefore, the gap is student access pathways, not waste management. Observational audits showed recovery potential depends on event format: buffet-style events generate surplus, boxed-meal events produce none. Tight event timelines and food safety constraints (2-hour maximum at room temperature) create narrow redistribution windows. Sales data revealed May-August accounts for 42-51% of annual activity, suggesting optimal pilot timing, but indicating substantial seasonal variation. Strategic Implications UBC Food Services suggested residence dining halls may be more viable than event-based catering for systematic recovery due to predictable schedules and consistent surplus. This implies positioning AMS Nest C&C as supplementary rather than a primary FFA source. Recommendations AMS Nest C&C should pursue a phased approach prioritizing legal compliance and strategic positioning. Immediately: engage UBC's Office of University Counsel to develop food redistribution guidelines aligned with the Food Donor Encouragement Act (1997) and establish food safety protocols reflecting the 2-hour safe distribution window. This legal review (estimated 3-6 months) is non-negotiable for implementation. Additionally, initiate knowledge exchange with other campus food service units to share waste reduction best practices. Long-term: position AMS Nest C&C as a supplementary contributor within broader campus food recovery, anchored by residence dining halls. Given 95% internal repurposing and surplus limited to buffet-style events during May-August, AMS Nest C&C lacks consistency for standalone implementation. Further development of event-specific protocols addressing tight timelines and workflow integration are needed. Future research should: (1) conduct quantitative surplus assessment during May-August peak season, (2) collaborate with UBC Legal to develop donation guidelines, and (3) implement systematic waste measurement aligned with UBC's Zero Waste Action Plan 2030 (UBC, 2023). Conclusion While food insecurity among respondents confirms genuine need, implementation requires UBC Legal approval, process redesign, realistic expectations about recoverable volumes and seasonal variation, and strategic positioning within broader campus food recovery. These findings provide an evidence-based foundation for decision-making as UBC advances circular food systems objectives while supporting student food security. Disclaimer: “UBC SEEDS provides students with the opportunity to share the findings of their studies, as well as their opinions, conclusions and recommendations with the UBC community. The reader should bear in mind that this is a student project/report and is not an official document of UBC. Furthermore readers should bear in mind that these reports may not reflect the current status of activities at UBC. We urge you to contact the research persons mentioned in a report or the SEEDS Coordinator about the current status of the subject matter of a project/report.”