Foodlink Added to List of Approved Caterers for University Events
The University of Rochester added Foodlink to its list of approved caterers in September. Now, any UR department can order from Foodlink when purchasing food services for University events.
The new relationship allows the University to support Foodlink's mission to leverage the power of food to end hunger and build healthier communities, which aligns with the Center for Community Health & Prevention's longstanding commitment to tackle food insecurity and promote healthy lifestyles. “We like to say, ‘food is medicine,’” said Foodlink Director of Marketing and Communications Mark Dwyer. “When you cater with us, you’re not only supporting a local nonprofit, you’re improving access to healthy food and impacting health outcomes for thousands of our neighbors.”
Foodlink Career Fellowship and Community Café
Foodlink’s catering service is a collaboration between staff chefs and students enrolled in its unique culinary training program. Professional chefs work alongside apprentices of the Foodlink Career Fellowship to prepare catered meals and provide other food services. The program offers an intensive, yearlong culinary curriculum that includes both classroom and hands-on training at Foodlink’s state-of-the-art commercial kitchen, which prepares more than 10,000 meals and snacks daily for children across the city of Rochester.
The Foodlink Community Café opened in 2021 with a mission-driven, pay-it-forward restaurant concept. The primary goal is to provide additional workforce development opportunities for Foodlink’s culinary apprentices. The café also provides much-needed support to local residents who are grappling with poverty and food insecurity.
“During the pandemic, a lot of people were struggling,” explained Dwyer. “So, we decided to offer discounted meals as a way to help the downtown community. Any combo meal on the menu — an entrée, side, and a bottled water — is only $3 for customers who identify themselves as needing that meal, no questions asked. These are delicious, healthy meals that cost $10 to $12 for customers who pay full price. Anyone who asks for the ‘mission meal’ gets it for $3.”
Catering customers, such as the University of Rochester, that order from Foodlink offset the costs of operating the Community Café, as well as the costs associated with providing other vital services including Foodlink’s food-banking operations.
"When you place a catering order, or when you buy a full-priced meal at the Community Cafe, you're helping launch someone's career and feed the community,” said Dwyer. “You’re helping to ensure that these programs are sustainable for years to come.”
Foodlink is an excellent choice for faculty and staff seeking catering and other food services. “The food is delicious, there’s a wide range of menu options, and it's quick and easy to order,” said Laura Sugarwala, director of Community Health Partnerships for the Center for Community Health & Prevention. “If you’re looking for healthy, competitively priced meals, ordering from Foodlink is a great way to meet your catering needs and support the Greater Rochester community.”
For a list of all approved caterers, visit the University of Rochester website.