Each Market Place provides wholesome, healthy and tasty selected locally grown food options to our students through the "It's Only Natural" program. In addition to serving a wide-variety of foods for those with differing dietary concerns, we are continually exploring the availability of locally grown, seasonal and sustainable foods.

Residential Dining believes in supporting local farmers and purchases their products as much as possible. Purchasing locally provides fresher foods for our customers, limits environmental impact by reducing transportation distance, and enriches the local economy.

As defined by the United States Government in Public Law 101-624, Title XVI, Subtitle A, Section 1683, sustainable agriculture is "an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long term, satisfy human food and fiber needs; enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends; make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls; sustain the economic viability of farm operations; and enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole."

To support local farmers and anti-cruelty initiatives, the Market Places purchase cage-free eggs from a local supplier. The hens who lay these eggs are allowed room to roam instead of being enclosed in cramped cages.