Caterers rise to challenge

The University’s catering service has signed up to an ethical initiative that will help support people in Malawi.

By taking part in Just Trading Scotland’s 90kg Rice Challenge, the University has agreed to source all of its rice from Malawi for its catering units.

In Malawi, an average rice farmer would need to sell 90 kilograms of rice to send one child to the local high school for a year.

By encouraging churches, schools and other groups to sell Malawi rice, Just Trading Scotland hopes to help provide Malawi children with access to education.

Catering challenge

The University’s annual consumption of rice is more than 5,000 kilograms per year, so by taking part in the challenge, it is enabling 56 young people in Malawi to attend school.

The University’s catering service is aiming to help at least 100 Malawi children annually. It is planning to expand the Malawi-sourced range of produce to include lentils and other pulses.

We are very proud to be part of this challenge and our chefs are incorporating the rice in every meal period possible. Our commercial customers have enjoyed it so far, with very positive comments.

Photo courtesy of Julio Pantoja / World Bank