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read moreChartwells Higher Education and George Mason University Launch “WastED” Sustainability Education Series
George Mason’s all-vegetarian dining hall creates a hub for zero-waste culinary innovation and student engagement
Charlotte, NC and Fairfax, VA, April 20, 2026: Chartwells Higher Education, a recognized leader in contract food service management, and George Mason University today announced WastED, a sustainability-focused educational series. Utilizing a dynamic ‘Speaker Spotlight’ format, the event, held on April 14th, showcased George Mason’s planet-friendly work and will serve as a model for future events across the country.
The inaugural event was held at The Spot, George Mason’s signature plant-based dining hall, aligning with the university’s Earth Month celebrations. WastED brings together student organizations, professors, campus sustainability leaders, and industry experts to explore actionable solutions for food waste reduction and environmental stewardship.
“The vision for WastED is to move beyond operational sustainability and bring students into the conversation through storytelling, ” said Monalisa Prasad, Vice President of Sustainability for Chartwells Higher Education and the creator of the series. “Together with George Mason University, a leader in campus sustainability, we have created a platform for collaborative dialogue and education that is both digestible and inspiring.”
To highlight creative waste reduction, the event featured a curated WastED menu designed by the Mason Dining culinary team. Sustainable dishes included zero-waste strawberry caprese skewers on rosemary stems, BBQ mushroom sliders with upcycled watermelon rind slaw, and salads incorporating locally sourced ingredients and microgreens from the campus greenhouse.
Monalisa was joined by Kerri Lacharite, PhD, Associate Professor, Nutrition, and Dr. Jennifer Sklarew, Assistant Professor, Environmental Science & Policy for a Speaker Spotlight Series, followed by Q&A and networking opportunity. Ten George Mason organizations hosted activities, fostering community engagement with groups like Food Recovery Network, Honey Bee Initiative, and Student Government Sustainability.
“By transforming our dining hall into a center for dialogue among students, faculty, and campus partners, we are providing the George Mason community with a tangible way to connect daily habits with sustainability goals,” said Jonathan Elwell, Director, Dining Services, George Mason University. “Hosting the first WastED event with Chartwells captures George Mason’s leadership in environmental stewardship, and we’re proud to serve as the blueprint for a program that empowers students and faculty to drive critical conversations.”
WastED at George Mason provides a scalable framework for Chartwells’ partner campuses nationwide, reinforcing both Chartwells’ and George Mason’s commitment to leading the higher education industry in sustainable dining practices.
For more information, please visit https://www.gmu.edu/ and https://chartwellshighered.com/.
About George Mason University
George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., George Mason enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. George Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched Mason Now: Power the Possible, a one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. Learn more at gmu.edu.
About Chartwells Higher Education
Chartwells is the recognized leader in contract food service management, hospitality, and guest service at over 320 colleges and universities in the United States. Chartwells is re-inventing the on-campus dining experience by investing in high-tech, food-infused social spaces that bring students and people together to promote meaningful relationships and interactions. The company’s excellence in culinary, nutrition, technology, and sustainability brings truly unique dining experiences to every campus.
Learn more about how Chartwells is creating joy in campus dining and preparing students for success at www.ChartwellsHigherEd.com, www.DineonCampus.com.
