Safe and Sustainable Foodware: Engaging Staff and Customers in the Transition

Join MiSBF and University of Illinois Chicago for the final session in the Safe & Sustainable Foodware webinar series as we explore how to train staff, adjust workflows, and communicate with diners to ensure smooth adoption of safer foodware. Speakers will share first hand experience, signage templates and best practices for messaging.

Speakers:

• Cassie Carroll, Assistant Director, EnergySense Resilience Center
• Jennifer Santi, Marketing and Communications Manager, Zingerman’s Delicatessen

This multi-part webinar series will equip restaurants, institutional food service providers, business associations, and community partners with the knowledge, tools, and resources to transition away from food service products containing PFAS (“forever chemicals”). Each session explores a critical piece of the solution, from understanding health and environmental risks, to navigating product certifications, to engaging staff and patrons in sustainable practices. Participants will hear from early adopters, industry experts, and peer institutions, gaining practical strategies for overcoming challenges and advancing safer, certified-compostable, and reusable alternatives. One session will be offered in Spanish, and all webinars will focus on supporting business owners across Michigan and the Great Lakes region.