Grow @ Rensselaer is an indoor all-weather steel constructed shipping container converted into a vertical growing hydroponic farm. Delicious, nutritious, leafy greens, microgreens, herbs and other vegetables are able to be grown without sunlight, soil, or pesticides year round in this innovative alternative to traditional farming known as a "Freight Farm". The farm provides students with a unique experience of eating the food grown here at RPI while enhancing their knowledge of sustainable agriculture, gives them a hands-on learning opportunity outside the classroom, and inspires them to continue making sustainable choices. Students can volunteer with this program by reaching out to management.

More information can be found HERE

Rensselaer Dining Services is committed to increasing local sourcing from New York business partners to drive the economic development of the communities where we do business. We proudly purchase products from over 1400 local farms to feed students and guests in the same state.

Green reusable to-go boxes are conveniently located in all four dining halls and are available for any student on a board plan to take food to go. To utilize this program, simply swipe and request a box if you don't already have one, fill up your container and enjoy your meal outside of resident dining. When you're finished using your box, return it to a designated receptical in any dining hall and receive a new one from the cashier. We professionally sanitize all boxes returned to continue re-using and eliminate the need for disposable to-go containers! If you choose to return a box, but don't need a new box at that moment, you can opt for a token to take with you that can be turned in at a later date for a new box.

We do not use any trays in our dining halls.

We do not use straws in any dining halls in order to prevent excess waste. Straws are available upon request in restaurants and cafes.

Father's powered by FoodHive provides reusable totes upon request that you can use and return when available.