Freezing weather impacts produce availability on campus

Severe weather has damaged crops in prime winter growing regions, including Arizona, California, Florida and Mexico. The result is an impact on availability of many varieties of produce nationwide. University Dining Services is alerting customers at Western Washington University to be prepared for variation in fresh fruit and vegetable offerings in the resident dining commons and campus markets, as well as at local grocery stores and restaurants.

Overall, cold weather and lost acreage has led to reduced quality and limited supplies. According to shippers, the freeze in Mexico is the worst in more than 50 years. This time of year, Mexico supplies a significant portion of North America’s crop vegetables, such as tomatoes, green beans, eggplant, cucumbers, peppers and asparagus. Florida is normally also a major supplier of these items, but the Florida growing region was struck with severe freeze damage to crops in December and January. Freeze damage of this sort can affect supplies for 30 to 90 days from the time of the freeze. In addition, supplies of lettuce, broccoli and cauliflower have been hit hard by winter weather effects and various crop diseases in Arizona and California.

In response, University Dining Services is working to minimize the impact of reduced availability of produce in campus dining locations. Chefs will make menu adjustments as needed and continue to stay in close communication with suppliers. Knowing that the campus may face this dilemma again in the future, University Dining Services is seeking to work with local farmers to extend the local growing season or purchase locally grown hothouse items.

Dining Services thanks customers in advance for their understanding and will provide updates as new information is received.