Pittsburgh Steelers “Go” Green
Sustainable and Buying Local Practices
PITTSBURGH, PA, October 2008 – Even professional athletic organizations like The Pittsburgh Steelers are joining the community’s green, sustainable and buying local campaigns to help protect our environment and support local agriculture.
With the help of its dining services partner, Parkhurst Dining Services of Pittsburgh, The Steelers have made several eco-friendly changes throughout its cafe including the switch to 100% biodegradable plastic cutlery, straws, stirrers, plates and other service ware. Steelers’ spent-fryer oil is also used to help produce bio-diesel fuel by sending the waste to a company that recycles inedible by-products from the food industry that if not recycled properly would otherwise lead to environmental contamination.
In response to supporting local agriculture, The Steelers also enjoy locally grown and harvested produce made possible through FarmSource. A Parkhurst-developed sustainable sourcing program established in 2002, FarmSource helps to establish relationships with local Pittsburgh farms and producers of food.
“We purchase 20% of our food from local farms that deliver fresh, healthy and quality products for our menus. In addition to supporting Pittsburgh-area farms, we also support local companies like Breadworks and Parma Sausage that supplies all of our Italian lunch meats,” says Jamie Moore, Parkhurst Dining director of sourcing and sustainability.
Steelers Executive Chef Corey Hayes is also practicing “urban” gardening right at Steelers headquarters. Chef Corey grows sage, basil, rosemary, cilantro, parsley, oregano, thyme and purple basil.
“Everything that I grow is used in the preparation of fresh food for the players,” says Chef Corey, who recently participated in a Parkhurst-sponsored “Traveling Chefs” promotion that touts the preparation of global cuisine using locally grown produce. “I enjoy preparing a variety of foods – everything from global to local.”
About Parkhurst Dining Services
Parkhurst Dining Services of Pittsburgh, PA, provides exceptional culinary experiences and dining services to guests at the finest educational institutions, corporations and cultural destinations in its marketing region. While we continue to expand our role as a sustainable organization, our foundation is built on personal relationships and exceeding the expectations of our guests and associates every day.
