In recent years, steps have been taken toward a sustainable, healthy and diverse range of food and beverages on campus. We will continue this line in the coming years with an additional focus on planet-friendly choices. This means less CO2 burden by VU Amsterdam and more quality for you. To this end, Vision Food and Drink 2024-2029 has been established that provides clear guidelines on how we purchase and how we work with our partners.
Organic, sustainable and local
In line with this, a renewed range of food and drink will be offered on campus by 1 July, 2026. In doing so, we are further committed to an offer that is organic, sustainable and local, with seasonal products. We reduce the products with the highest CO2 emissions by, for example, purchasing and using more locally produced products. We also apply these guidelines in our agreements with partners and suppliers.
As of 2025, we offer a vegetarian selection as standard. Meat, fish, vegan and other (dietary) options are available on request. This applies to the coffee and lunch corners, restaurants and banqueting offerings.
Practical changes for you as an order taker
- It will no longer be possible to order coffee and tea for less than 15 people (below that, use of the vending machine applies) from 1 July, 2026.
- There will be a purchase limit of at least 10 people in combination with a room reservation for ordering meeting arrangements/lunches.
- The number of catering delivery locations has been adjusted to only assigned locations - meeting rooms and living rooms/pantries - and therefore no longer campus-wide as of 1 July.
Countering waste
These adjustments to our policy help counter waste within VU Amsterdam. We also carry out other actions to combat waste. For example, through the 'Too Good To Go' platform, leftovers are offered at a discount. But we are also looking at good waste separation and collection that offers opportunities for recycling and other circular forms. This is how we are further fulfilling our sustainability ambitions.
Prices
The offer remains commercial on the VU campus where we can ensure that prices remain within the current margins. The exact prices will be determined by the providers, but they will be comparable and not more expensive.
From 2027: offer through the vending machines ('vending')
From 2027, 'planet-friendly food and drink' will also apply to the offer in the vending machines:
- Expansion of the number of coffee vending machines with plant-based milk; currently one vending machine per building.
- Sustainable coffee beans with a fair trade label.
- No more supply of 'plain water' via vending machines (only sparkling/flavored water).
- Drinking water is encouraged through 'water bars'. Water is also available in the pantries and through various water taps (Join the Pipe).
- At least 50% healthy(er) alternatives in vending machines for cold drinks and snacks.
- The vending machines for sweets and soft drinks are largely filled with healthier options.
- Offer cold drinks only in returnable containers.
Questions
We can imagine that there are questions about the new food and beverage offerings on campus. Please contact the FCO Service Desk for this:
frontoffice.fco@vu.nl
020 - 598 5777