G7 – Food Services Policy

Approver: President and CEO
Owner: VP, Finance and Administration
Date Approved: September 2, 2025
Last Reviewed: New

See the G7 – Food Services Procedures ›

1.0 Preamble

1.1

Food is an important part of the Campus experience. At RRC Polytech, food services areas are places where students, faculty, and staff congregate and socialize. RRC Polytech acknowledges its obligation to take all reasonable steps to ensure safe food handling and compliance with regulatory obligations.

1.2

RRC Polytech has made substantial investments in providing food services facilities for the benefit of the College Community, and these investments should be appropriately maximized.

1.3

The support of RRC Polytech’s Food Services Contractors ensures efficient use of institutional resources and strengthens the financial sustainability of food services operations within the College. This commitment enables the College to provide a viable food services that benefits students, faculty, and staff.

2.0 Purpose

2.1

This Policy and its accompanying Procedures apply to all employees, students, contractors, external vendors, and third parties who prepare, serve, sell, or distribute food and beverages on RRC Polytech campuses, whether for retail, catering, fundraising, or private events. They also apply to any events hosted on RRC Polytech property by external groups.

3.0 Definitions

3.1

Food Services Contractor: refers to a third party with a contractual right to provide food, beverage, catering and liquor services in RRC Polytech.

3.2

Potluck: a private event on campus where the guests bring dishes prepared at home or purchased using personal funds for shared consumption.

3.3

Fundraising Bake Sale: the sale of baked goods by student clubs on campus to raise funds for the student clubs or other charitable causes.

3.4

Market: a short-term retail operation selling prepared food products, including Farmer’s Market, Flea Markets, Bake Sales and Craft Sales.

4.0 Application

4.1

This Policy applies to any food that is sold, served, or provided for consumption at an RRC Polytech Campus, including, but not limited to, retail food services, catering services, staff and/or student barbecues, fundraising bake sales and potlucks.

4.2

This Policy does not apply to food under the total control (purchase, storage, preparation, display, serving and sale) of the RRC Polytech’s Hospitality and Culinary Arts Programs, including Jane’s Restaurant.

4.3

All members of the College Community shall conduct themselves in accordance with this Policy.

5.0 Policy

5.1

Selling and serving of food and beverages on campus must be done in a way that meets regulatory obligations, including The Public Health Act and The Food and Food Handling Establishments Regulation.

5.2

RRC Polytech’s Food Services Contractors must be used for all RRC Polytech events requiring food services. Additionally, all departmental spending on catering or food and beverage-related purchases must be made through the Food Services Contractors.

5.3

RRC Polytech recognizes that strategic initiatives or other factors may warrant an exemption from the requirement to use RRC Polytech’s Food Services Contractors. Exemptions may be requested in accordance with the Procedures and will be determined on a case-by-case basis with the approval of the Director, Ancillary Services or their delegate.

5.4

All food services providers at RRC Polytech must comply with all health and food safety regulations, licensing, taxes, and insurance coverage required by law and/or pursuant to contracts with RRC Polytech.

5.5

RRC Polytech recognizes the importance of social activities on campus, such as feasts, potlucks, welcome events, and barbecues. It also recognizes the importance of fundraising activities such as Fundraising Bake Sales for the RRC Polytech Student Association and Student Clubs. These activities are encouraged and must be delivered in compliance with this Policy, its accompanying Procedures, and any relevant legislation.

5.6

Any event involving the sale/provision of alcohol must comply with the Alcohol on College Premises Policy.

6.0 Responsibilities

6.1

RRC Polytech has the overall responsibility to ensure compliance with applicable health and safety laws, including The Public Health Act and The Food and Food Handling Establishments Regulation.

6.2

The Vice President, Finance and Administration is responsible for overseeing this Policy and approving the Procedures required for the implementation of this Policy.

6.3

The Director of Ancillary services is responsible for:

overseeing food services on campus and ensuring compliance with this Policy and its Procedure.
granting the relevant approvals and exemptions regarding this Policy and its Procedures.

6.4

All Leaders are responsible for ensuring their departments comply with this Policy and its accompanying Procedures.

6.5

All members of the College Community are responsible for complying with this Policy and its accompanying Procedures.

7.0 Breach

7.1

Failure to comply with this Policy and its accompanying Procedure may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal (in the case of an employee) or expulsion (in the case of a student). Non-compliance by other members of the College Community, including food services providers, will be addressed accordingly.

8.0 Review Period

8.1

This Policy will be reviewed and updated as required every five years.

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