SDG STARS

SDG Stars is a Zero Hunger Project certification programme that helps post-secondary institutions assess and strengthen the role of campus food services in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through a practical five-star self-evaluation framework, institutions can measure progress across food security, sustainability, nutrition, waste reduction, equity, ethical procurement and community impact.

The programme provides a practical, self-evaluated certification framework for dining halls, cafeterias, catering services, vending operations and other campus food service departments.

Through a clear five-star rating system, SDG Stars helps institutions assess how their food services contribute to sustainability, food security, waste reduction, student well-being, ethical procurement, climate action, equity and community partnerships. The programme uses verifiable internal data, such as procurement records, waste logs, menus, policies, staff surveys, student feedback and energy or water bills, making it accessible, transparent and easy to implement without requiring an external audit.

The programme covers all 17 SDGs and gives institutions a structured way to move beyond isolated sustainability actions toward measurable, campus-wide impact. It turns food service from a daily operational function into a platform for education, innovation and leadership in building a healthier, fairer and more sustainable future.

Key Benefits

Provides a practical five-star certification framework for campus food services

Aligns food service operations with all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals

Supports measurable action on food insecurity, nutrition, waste, equity and climate impact

Helps institutions use dining spaces as learning

Encourages ethical procurement, local partnerships and responsible resource use

Recognizes institutions for visible progress and sustainability leadership

Uses internal data, making the programme accessible and self-managed

Supports annual review, continuous improvement and long-term action planning