Toronto, ON | January 10, 2018. Humber College’s Lakeshore Campus is the first college in Ontario to receive Fair Trade Campus designation for its promotion of social and environmental sustainability and innovation. Recognized already as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers, achieving the designation is part of Humber’s five-year plan to make its campuses more sustainable.
The College received the Fair Trade Campus designation for its commitment to ensuring the availability of Fair Trade products, such as coffee, tea and chocolate in vending machines, the bookstore, and campus eateries and catering by Chartwells. The designation also recognizes Humber’s efforts to educate students and staff about these products and the importance of the fair trade movement.
“The Fair Trade Campus designation is a reflection of Humber’s commitment to the values of justice, respect, and sustainability, “ said Chris Whitaker, President and CEO of Humber College. “We will continue to improve students’ sustainable food choices on campus and support the global fair business community by working to achieve Fair Trade Campus designation for our North Campus as well.”
“I am very excited to welcome Humber Lakeshore into the Fair Trade Campus community! Humber students are joining 520,289 other students across Canada who are prioritizing conscious consumerism,” said Torrye McKenzie, Program Manager, Canadian Fair Trade Network. “Congratulations to all who were involved in making this designation possible!”
“Today we celebrate the designation of Canada’s 29th designated Fair Trade Campus – Humber College in Toronto,” said Julie Francoeur, Executive Director, Fairtrade Canada. “This designation is a result a strong commitment to fair trade by Humber, and we thank you for all you do to help improve the lives of 1.66 million producers in countries around the world.”
Later this year, the college will be opening a food learning garden in the Humber Arboretum; also home to Humber’s small batch honey production and Sustainable Urban Beekeeping program. The garden will provide a space for students and the community to learn about urban agriculture, local food and food security, and food grown in the garden will be included in menus at the Humber Room, the on-campus, student-run restaurant at North Campus.