Lessons from School Lunch Menu in Boulder, CO

Looking for eco inspiration? What is showing up on the plates in Boulder, CO school cafeterias represents what a singular inspired vision paired with aligned business partners can accomplish.

Ann Cooper has had a vision of cooking school food from whole ingredients without the additives, but until recently, preparing meals from scratch in the volume and at the price required seemed overwhelming if not impossible. Though devoted effort and an aligned partnership with Ready Foods, this vision is now becoming a reality.

"I always thought school business was something I would never go after because it’s so heavily bureaucratic…It seems to be all about low quality, low price. And that’s not something I want to be in." Marco Abarca, owner of Ready Foods

This transformed belief into a successful partnership is a lesson to be learned for all sustainability-driven business action. The implementation of many business sustainability concepts may seem overwhelming or impossible. In fact, it's not uncommon in our professional consulting to interface with business leaders who share some come feelings:

•    It's too expensive.
•    It's doesn’t fit the business model.
•    It's too big of an issue.
•    We wouldn’t know where to even start.

By building a business case for sustainability, one can translate personal beliefs into business success. A clear understanding of the opportunities, risks and bottom line implications can incentivize the value chain with leverage to overcome perceived obstacles and to pursue the benefits:

•    Defined direction to capitalize on personal ambitions, growing eco awareness or shifting consumer/customer preferences.

•    Aligned internal resources and core business processes enabling you to meet requirements and capitalize on the business sustainability opportunities of the future.

•    A differentiated product or service offered through business sustainability best practices and providing value to the community.

Working in conjunction with Ready Foods, Ann cooper and her staff are placing healthier choices in the school cafeterias at only thirteen cents above the National average. Working to further improve the process, this is a true win/win for business and the community.