Sustainability in Food Procurement: Tea Sourcing at a University

Sustainability has become an increasingly important topic in food procurement as institutions recognize the need to make environmentally and socially responsible decisions. This case study analyzes the procurement practices of a public university in purchasing organic tea from a poverty-stricken country. The study shows how university procurement decisions could contribute to the environmental, social equity, and economic development aspects of sustainability. It demonstrates how the purchase of organic tea can support sustainable agriculture and the livelihoods of local communities and serves as a tangible example of sustainable practice for students.