Creating Healthier Places

University of North Florida

2016 Progress Report

Year Committed: 2015

Length of Commitment: 3 years

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Committed to meet guidelines—developed by PHA in collaboration with some of the nation’s leading nutrition, physical activity and campus wellness experts—around nutrition, physical activity, and programming on campus.

Verified Results

Implementation Date
September 2018
Reporting Date
November 2016

Commitment Element
Offer a minimum five (5) types of fruits, five (5) types of vegetables and two (2) 100% whole grain products at both lunch and dinner (if served).
Progress To Date

University of North Florida offers a diverse range of fruits, vegetables and whole grain options at lunch and dinner meals. Lunches and dinners feature a minimum of 10 different fruit options, 18 vegetable selections, and three whole grain breads, salads and sides.
Implementation Date
September 2018
Reporting Date
November 2016

Commitment Element
Offer only a total number of fried foods that does not exceed the total number of platforms available at both lunch and dinner (if served) across all venues.
Progress To Date

The Osprey Cafe offers a total number of fried foods at both lunch and dinner that is well below the total number of platforms available. For two of the four meals verified, only one fried item was available across nine platforms.
Implementation Date
September 2018
Reporting Date
November 2016

Commitment Element
Implement a local food procurement program that increases procurement of local and sustainable foods.
Progress To Date

The “A Taste of Ogier Gardens” program was developed for the University of North Florida to increase student awareness of the Ogier Gardens on campus and their work to promote student health and sustainability. Produce cultivated by students, staff and volunteers is sold to Chartwells and then served to students and volunteers in the main dining hall, Osprey Cafe.
Implementation Date
September 2018
Reporting Date
November 2016

Commitment Element
Offer tray-less dining in at least seventy-five percent (75%) of dining venues.
Progress To Date

The University of North Florida's Osprey Café implemented tray-less dining during the 2008-2009 school year in an effort to embrace a sustainable food system and reduce food waste.
Implementation Date
September 2018
Reporting Date
November 2016

Commitment Element
Make free water available in all dining, recreational and educational facilities.
Progress To Date

Free water is available in all dining, recreational and educational facilities, through a combination of water fountains and hydration stations.
Implementation Date
September 2018
Reporting Date
November 2016

Commitment Element
Make available Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) for personal nutrition assessments and counseling to all students.
Progress To Date

The University of North Florida makes available two Registered Dietitians (RDs) for free nutrition assessments and counseling to students, staff and faculty. Dietitians help clients create individualized nutrition plans and one of the RDs on staff has expertise working with clients with eating disorders. Both RDs support programs and education that foster and promote healthy eating among University students.
Implementation Date
September 2018
Reporting Date
November 2016

Commitment Element
Post signage requiring cars to stop for pedestrians at all designated or marked crosswalks on campus.
Progress To Date

Pedestrian crossing signs are posted at the 15 main intersections throughout the University of North Florida campus.
Implementation Date
September 2018
Reporting Date
November 2016

Commitment Element
Offer a rental outdoor recreation equipment program for students.
Progress To Date

The University of North Florida provides a program for students to rent free outdoor equipment through the Campus Recreation Department.
Implementation Date
September 2018
Reporting Date
November 2016

Commitment Element
Implement a program/policy that identifies students who may be 'food insecure' and provides options on campus.
Progress To Date

The Lend-A-Wing Pantry provides students at the University of North Florida with up to five pounds of free food each visit. The Lend-A-Green partnership with the University’s community garden, Ogier Gardens, provides fresh garden produce to students at the Pantry. Both programs are available to all students and provided anonymously at no cost, without requiring documentation of food insecurity.

Partner Statement

“The University of North Florida established the Healthy Osprey Initiative as a campus-wide movement to transform the health and wellness of students, faculty and staff alike. The initiative’s goal is to build a healthy community that supports healthy lifestyle behaviors through individual, interpersonal and institutional transformation. Our commitment to the Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) has steered Healthy Osprey to new heights in health and wellness, especially in physical activity and nutrition. Healthy Osprey put these commitments into action by extending fitness and recreation for all students, offering year-round diverse physical activity opportunities and having monthly ‘how-to’ classes to introduce new physical activities such as ballet strength 101, Intro to Hip Hop dance, and yoga inversion class. In putting these commitments into action, we are recognized as one of ‘Greatist’ healthiest colleges in the nation. As a university, we are able to educate and motivate the UNF community toward the path of healthy behaviors. With the support and framework from PHA, we are confident in reaching milestones toward the ultimate goal of a healthier university that encompasses Mind, Body and Osprey Spirit.”