Food Service and Dining

If you've read our mission statement, you know we have large shoes to fill. As part of our striving to practice and embody "responsible care for the earth," we're constantly reviewing which foods we serve, where they come from and how we can do better. In September 2009, we commited to purchasing food free of trans-fats, MSG, artificial colors and flavors, and high fructose corn syrup. We are increasing our use of organic and fair-trade products such as coffee, tea, fruits and vegetables. In addition, we are purposefully supporting local farms for products such as vegetables, fruits, milk, whole grains, and meat.

We are proud to be serving real food and supporting local sustainable farms. In so doing we are supporting local farmers and companies with values that are in accord with our own. These farmers and companies care enough to use the best ingredients for our health, the health of communities, and the health of God's very good Earth. We also take advantage of the produce and livestock grown at our very own Community Farm right here at Chestnut Ridge. In 2010, 22% of our food came from local farms and 6% came from our own Community Farm, which are both up from 0% just three years ago!  It doesn't get much more local than our own backyard! Summer campers help to plant, grow, and harvest food from the farm all summer long. Then our experienced kitchen staff takes these raw ingredients and whips up a dazzling array of made from scratch meals for all of our campers to enjoy.

Chestnut Ridge also has a partnership with Larry's Beans! Larry's is a fair-trade, organic coffee roaster located in Raleigh. If you purchase Larry's Beans coffee from the camp store, Larry's Beans will donate 10% of your purchase towards camperships. Serving fair-trade coffee (to counselors and retreat guests) is another way in which we practice our faithfulness to social justice, compassion, and care for Creation. 

Come, taste and see what's cooking in the kitchen at Chestnut Ridge!

Food allergy policy