Sustainable Restaurant Network

SustainableRestaurants

The San Francisco Department of Public Health's Program on Health, Equity and Sustainability (PHES) plays a leading role in the organization of the Sustainable Restaurant Network (SRN), a regional group supporting and promoting high standards of social and environmental responsibility in food businesses.

 

The Network includes health professionals, restaurant industry leaders, government agencies, and allied interest groups in the San Francisco Bay Area and is currently in the process of developing and launching a certification and recognition program for restaurants with comprehensive socially and environmentally responsible business practices. The network intends to launch the program in fall of 2012, recognizing the first group of qualifying businesses at that time.

 

Now more than ever, consumers are looking for ways to spend money that promotes environmental and social responsibility. Many want restaurants to serve more nutritious and locally sourced foods. Increasingly, consumers are also concerned about the wellbeing of workers and the impact of their food choices on the environment.

 

Operating a restaurant is a challenging business and making the investments in sustainable business practices is time-consuming and expensive. Good labor and environmental practices can be good for business but they also deserve recognition and encouragement from the public. Both consumers and the restaurant industry need a comprehensive and credible standard way to identify sustainable business practices.

 

Unique among sustainability standards for restaurants, SRN recognition treats sustainability in a comprehensive way, including criteria for safe and nutritious menu offerings, self-sufficiency wages and good benefits for restaurant employees, community benefits, sustainable sources of foods, and environmental resource conservation.

 

Participation in the program is voluntary and open to restaurants, caterers, and other prepared food businesses in the Bay Area. Currently, program participation is free of charge. Participation requires working with SRN staff to complete a program checklist and provide verifying documentation.

 

In addition to being identified on the program website with a detailed certification report, the program and its qualified restaurants will be promoted in several ways. Several social media, health, social justice and environmental organizations are already committed to advancing the program brand and participating restaurants. In San Francisco, restaurants with high scores will be recognized during the annual October's Restaurant Appreciation Month. SRN is also currently exploring other ways to promote consumer awareness about the program and the benefits of eating at recognized restaurants.

 

Learn More

About the Recognition Program

 

Apply for Recognition

  • Complete the Sustainable Restaurant Practices Checklist
  • Nominate a restaurant to be considered for the recognition program

 

Stay Informed

Sign up for program updates including upcoming promotion events

 

Resources for Sustainable Restaurant Practices

(coming soon!!!)

 

  • Healthy Dining

     

    • Food Safety
    • Nutrition and Healthy Dining

 

  • Local Community Benefits

     

    • Community Service

 

  • Healthy Employees & Workplaces

     

    • Wages and Benefits
    • Worker Safety
    • Job Training and Advancement

 

  • Sustainable Food Sourcing

     

    • Food Procurement

 

  • Environmental Footprint

     

    • Solid Waste Reduction
    • Chemical Hazard Reduction
    • Energy Conservation
    • Water Conservation

 

For More Information

To nominate a restaurant, sign up for program updates, learn more about the program, request a copy of the checklist, or with questions, please contact:

Paula Jones, San Francisco SRN Coordinator

Tel: (415) 252-3853 | Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.