Restaurant Resources
Local bakeries and sources for local/regional grains and nuts.
Breadsmith Artisan Bread Bakery
European-style artisan breads, from scratch, hand-made, hearth-baked. Large variety and supply.
Bridge Bread
Bridge Bread is a social enterprise designed to provide job opportunities for people experiencing homelessness or those who are housing insecure. The goal of the program is to help the disadvantaged engage in a financially rewarding effort that enhances self-worth, promotes dignity and enables them to help themselves. Their storefront is located on Cherokee Street, where they sell everything from cinnamon rolls to braided brioche.
Castor River Farms
Growing healthy and nutritious rice in Southeast Missouri’s Delta Region for 65 years. We specializes in soil conservation—putting a focus on nurturing rich, healthy soil to produce rich, healthy crops year after year. Our award-winning farming methods lower carbon emissions and elevate the quality and taste of Castor River Farms rice.
Central Missouri Grains
Central Missouri cooperative sourcing grains throughout the state. Scroll down through their website for their entire story and process. Wood-fire oven roasted grains available.
Companion
Companion uses great ingredients, bakes fresh daily and instills passion in every loaf of bread we bake.
Fazio’s Bakery
Large variety and supply of locally-produced breads.
Great Harvest Bread Company
GDA Members in Kirkwood and Maplewood: With wheat sourced from a sustainable Montana collective and no preservatives or artificial ingredients, this company has two locally-owned branches in St. Louis County.
Knead Bakehouse
KNEAD is artisan bakehouse located in St. Louis, MO and is passionate about bringing back the American bread culture that once flourished in this country. Facebook
Martin Rice Company
Source your rice from Southern Missouri.
McKaskle Family Farms
As fifth generation farmers, Kaye and Steve McKaskle decided to break the mold and pioneer organic farming in Missouri. It started with cotton, and grew into popcorn, Basmati and Long Grain rice, soybeans, corn, cotton, and oats. Now, McKaskle Family Farm has some of the highest growing and manufacturing standards around.
Mound City
All-natural nuts and nut butters, made by a local company.
Pint Size Bakery
At Pint Size Bakery & Coffee our motto is *Small Batch*From Scratch*Fresh Daily* & we put that to work each day by baking muffins, cookies, scones & more fresh each morning. If we sell a lot of cookies, we bake more…what that means to you as a customer is that there are no fresher baked goods anywhere in Saint Louis.
Sugaree Baking Company
Sugaree Baking Co. uses only the finest, real ingredients to make cakes, pies, and other delicious baked goods fit for your most precious celebrations, since 1996.
Sunflower Savannah
This family-run specialty farm produces cut flowers, heirloom vegetables, and products from those items.
SweetArt
GDA Member Spotlight
This is old-school baking which is an art. And we are artists who are passionate about coming as close to perfect as possible.
Union Loafers
Union Loafers is a bread bakery and cafe located in the heart of botanical heights. We bake naturally leavened bread modeled on old world techniques.
Whisk: a Sustainable Bakeshop
GDA Member Spotlight
Innovative, from scratch goods out of Cherokee Street. Often made with organic, locally-sourced ingredients.
Locally and regionally grown, organic and natural, farm to table options for your restaurant:
Amanzi Farms
A hydroponic farm that specializes in bib and leaf lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers.
Blue Heron Orchard
Organic Missouri apples and apple products.
Buttonwood Farms
Buttonwood Farms (which recently acquired EatHereSTL has a weekly listing of produce and specialty items available. | xanthia@buttonwoodfarms.com | 660) 337-2209
Charleston Powers Family Garden
Specialty native fruits, flowers, herbs Facebook
Claverach Farm
Focusing on traditions passed down through generations, this farm produces quality eggs, as well as microgreens, fruits, vegetables, and preserves. They’re also an event space and winery with farm-fresh dinners.
Dirty Girl Farms
Specialty herbs, including lavender, and edible flowers.
Double Star Farms
This Illinois collective sources produce year-round. They also carry eggs, poultry, and milk.
EarthDance Farms
EarthDance grows food, farmers, and community through hands-on education and delicious experiences.
Freshki’s – Greg Pusczek
Growing specialty vegetables, fruit, herbs, and cut flowers for the St. Louis metropolitan area. Freschki’s uses natural growing techniques. | Greg Pusczek at (314) 941-0416
Good Life Growing
An organic, urban farm in the heart of North Saint Louis. They focus on all methods of organic farming, including aquaponics, hydroponics, and other innovative ways to use urban spaces to produce food. Their indoor/outdoor growing facility allows for year-round crops. They specialize in greens – order your arugula, kale, micro-greens, chard and basil. Good Life even has tomatoes and peppers available for sale. Ask to tour their facility!
HOSCO Foods
Fresh, vibrant, nutritious microgreens and sprouts for salads and flavorful garnish.
Kuna Produce
Kuna Foodservice, a four generation-strong local company, carries a large array of seasonal produce.
McKaskle Family Farms, LLC
Rice, cornmeal, polenta, and more.
Ole Tyme Produce
Ole Tyme has been in the business for over 40 years and offers local and specialty produce on request.
Orange Pippin
The comprehensive resource for apples and orchards – see a Missouri orchards directory on this site.
Ozark Forest Mushrooms
Missouri Ozarks Big Springs mushroom farm provides us with superior mushrooms while simultaneously preserving an endangered forest (an area designated as one of the Last Great Places by the Nature Conservancy). Many varieties available year-round.
Root + Holler
Known for meats, this farm also produces seasonal veggies.
Three Spring Farm, LLC
A Known & Grown certified farming partnership specializing in pasture raised meat and eggs. Their product list includes beef, pork, chicken, eggs and a wide array of vegetables in season.
Browse for local, regional, grass-fed, pastured and/or organically raised meats.
Accuit Farms
Local beef and produce by request. Email John Rienke for more information.
Attadale Farm
High-quality, 100% grass-fed beef and pork.
Benne’s Best Meats
Benne’s Best Meat offers beef, pork and chicken. Animals are fed homegrown feed and have 24-hr access to outdoors. The Bennes aim to help provide people with a cleaner, healthier food and environment and promote the “family farm.”
Bolyard’s Meat
Located on Sutton Blvd alongside Maplewood’s Green Dining District, beef and pork are butchered nose-to-tail and sourced from clean, cruelty-free pastures. See their farmers and source ethical, delicious, quality meats for your restaurant or cafe.
Buttonwood Farm
At Buttonwood, chickens, turkeys, and beef are delivered into St. Louis year-round, with some fresh produce in the growing season as well.
Creekstone Farms
This Arkansas company has a commitment to humane animal treatment and grass-fed, grain-finished beef.
Crown Valley
Grass-fed, grain-finished bison available. They also produce wines, Gouda and Edam cheeses, and local sodas (Izzy, Ozark Mountain).
Elixir Farm
Certified Organic, grass fed beef from Brixley, Missouri. Limited supply.
Martin Farms
Local, pasture-raised turkeys, chickens and eggs. (618) 928-2440
Mill Creek Meats & Processing
For custom slaughter and processing, Mill Creek takes care of your needs in a newly-built plant. Fresh and frozen cuts of locally-raised beef and pork are available daily.
Missouri Grass Fed Beef
Humanely- and ethically-raised in Salem, these cuts of 100% grass-fed beef are brought to you without hormones, steroids, or antibiotics. Animals are processed at 1 year of age, resulting in some of the leanest and most tender beef available. Limited supply.
Pop’s Grass Fed Beef
Beef feeds on pesticide-free Missouri grasslands. Cuts are dry-aged 21 days to improve flavor and tenderness. Limited supply. 1-417-358-5294
Price Family Farm
With the vision of producing beef in a humane, non-industrial, and environmentally-friendly way as their guiding force, Price Family Farm specializes in the production of whole, half, and quarter sections of premium beef. Limited supply.
Salume Beddu
Always using local, fresh ingredients, this award-winning cured meats shop sells some of the best products in the country. Salumi, salciccia, and salumi accompgnamenti are all available.
Slagel Family Farm
Beef, lamb, pork, turkey, chicken, and more.
Three Spring Farm, LLC
Beef, eggs, and produce
RainCrow Ranch
Cattle, heritage pigs, and poultry are born, raised, and finished on open grass pastures in the hills of Southern Missouri. Family-owned and operated by the Wyzants. Also distributed through Whole Foods Market and Kuna Foodservice.
Root + Holler
Pigs, goat, and sheep are raised outdoors and fed grass and grain. No chemicals, coupled with environmentally sustainable farming practices. Some seasonal produce as well.
Wenneman’s Meat Company
Some beef and pork are locally-sourced; available upon request.
Local, regional, organically-raised, and/or cruelty-free eggs.
Big Sycamore Farm
Pastured chickens and eggs. They also have a variety of cold and warm season crops.
Double Star Farms
This collective offers some pastured eggs and chicken, as well as fresh produce and dairy. Humane Certified eggs are available on request.
Good Earth Egg Company
Located in Bonne Terre, MO, this company distributes large quantities of cage-, antibiotic-, and hormone-free eggs to the Gateway region. Chickens are fed grains and alfalfa, which is one step closer to the ideal pastured diet and lifestyle. Also distributed through USFoods.
Old Homestead Farm
Family-owned pastured egg farm where the chickens roam, eating all the grass, weeds, bugs, and grains available to them.
Claverach Farm
Focusing on traditions passed down through generations, this farm produces quality eggs, as well as microgreens, fruits, vegetables, and preserves. They’re also an event space and winery with farm-fresh dinners.
Martin Farms
Local, pasture-raised turkeys, chickens and eggs. (618) 928-2440
Here is your local and regional listing for any organic, pastured or grass-fed dairy operations:
Baetje Farms
Premium, artisan, award-winning, Missouri goat cheese.
Crown Valley
Missouri-made gouda and edam cheeses, as well as wine, pastured bison, and local sodas.
Double Star Farms
This Illinois collective is now sourcing milk. If you’re already getting chickens, eggs, or produce from them, ask about their dairy supply.
Fox River Dairy
Fox River is a local distributor who has been servicing the St. Louis area since 1910. Among many other speciality products, Fox River carries a variety of local, regional, and non-local/regional cheese.
Gelato di Risso
Made with more milk than cream, gelato takes on a lighter, silkier texture than ice cream. Located on The Hill, Gelato di Risso crafts classic gelato flavors.
Goatsbeard Farm
Artisan, pasture-raised, farmstead Missouri goat cheese for wholesale. Goatsbeard serves rounds, tubs, feta, and even raw cheeses.
Heartland Creamery
Local cheddar, chevre, and gouda (even for sale at some Schnuck’s locations, if you run out on a busy day). Now a part of Laclare Family Creamery.
Marcoot Jersey Creamery
Seven generations of raising Jersey dairy cows with a grass-fed, natural diet, free from hormones and antibiotics. This collective offers pepper jack, curds, cheddars, and fresh mozzarella, cave-aged alpine and more.
Milton Creamery
Fine cheese from exclusively Amish-raised, grass-fed cows.
Rolling Lawns Farm
Milk and cream.
Serendipity Homemade Ice Cream
Ice cream maker located in Webster Groves.
Windcrest Dairy
Maker of a variety of plain and flavored yogurt. The families of Windcrest Dairy – a cooperative between the Bizenberger and Eickmeyer families, Marcoot Jersey Creamery, and Kilgus Farmstead Milk of Southwestern Illinois – have dairy farmed for more than 100 years.
Know a wholesale resource not listed here? Contact us: info@greendiningalliance.org
Locally-produced, organic, and/or Fair Trade beverages for your restaurant:
Big Heart Tea
These locally-crafted, 100% organic artisan teas offer unique flavors and aromas. Seasonally, they may even feature locally-harvested ingredients.
Coffee Roasters
The Green Dining Alliance has compiled local roasters with sustainable practices, as well as resources for choosing a sustainable bean.
Com Kom (Companion Kombucha)
Locally made by the Companion Bakery company with 100% organic ingredients, unsweetened or sweetened with the stevia plant.
Confluence Kombucha
Artisan, hand-crafted, unique kombucha. Ingredients are often wild crafted or harvested locally. Ask about offering Confluence Kombucha on tap.
Crown Valley
Missouri-grown and produced wines. Pastured bison, cheeses, and local soda also available.
Excel Bottling Company
Excel produces flavored soda using cane sugar, returnable bottles, and vintage bottling equipment.
Fitz’ Root Beer
Root beer, cream sodas, ginger ale, coffee colas, and limited edition craft pops.
Greenline Paper Company
Fair-trade teas and coffees are available from this large, non-local distributor.
Grey Eagle Distributors
Grey Eagle is the distributor of Anheuser-Busch beers in St. Louis County. Grey Eagle also distributes craft beers and local Purus Vodka.
Les Bourgeois Vineyard
This vineyard-cum-winery offers twelve very local wines, featuring a wide span of grapes, including but not limited to: Concord, Vidal, Rocheport, Chardonel, Solay, and the native Catawba and St. Vincent grapes.
Local Craft Beer
We’ve got a slew of breweries in our lovely city and surrounding areas. Take a look at the GDA’s list of local craft brewers – and check out the greener options (greener is tastier).
Major Brands
Local company that distributes standard and specialty liquor. The only Missouri-owned distributor for liquor, with local and regional products available as well.
Mountain Valley Spring Water
Bottled water is on our black list for a number of reasons. However, if your customers expect bottled water, you can source from an American company that protects the forest and springs from where it sources its water. A protected watershed in AK bottles its products in glass or recycled PET. This water undergoes stricter tests for purity than tap water, and contains natural minerals and a high pH for health. Available in fresh, sparkling, and fruit essences.
Numi Tea
A Fair Trade, Organic-certified company with social programs in tea-farming communities, this is an excellent choice for teas.
Ronnoco: Organic Bigelow Teas
A local coffee roaster since 1904, if you’re looking for a local supplier with organic bagged tea, Ronnoco offers Bigelow’s certified Organic varieties.
Spicely.com
Spicely offers high-quality tea, spices, and chocolates in bulk – always certified Organic, and Fair Trade whenever possible. Learn why Organic, Fair Trade spices, tea, and chocolates are important in our post on coffee, which is often grown in the same regions.
TeaVoila
TeaVoila is a St. Louis based company that helps tea drinkers on-the-go enjoy an environmentally friendly option. They have developed a biodegradable, plastic-free, organic, and plant-based fiber cup that is fully compostable. Their high quality tea, grown and processed according to USDA Organic practices, is embedded in the bottom of each cup. Just add hot water – a unique, self-sealing filter allows for up to three refills per cup with no bitterness. A portion of every purchase goes to the Omid Foundation.
Traveling Tea
Supplier and GDA-certified tea shop, Traveling Tea has specialty teas from all around the world, with varying sustainability certifications – even conservation crops.
Ingredients or finished products for desserts served or made in-house, local and/or sustainable:
Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate/Bissingers
The only St. Louis-based chocolate company, CCC sources 100% Fair Trade-certified cocoa and sugar.
Clementine’s Naughty and Nice Ice Cream
Clementine’s ice cream is handcrafted in St. Louis since 2014. From thoughtfully chosen, locally sourced ingredients, to their high butterfat dairy, they churn out some of the best ice cream around with a commitment to fostering kind interactions with the whole community.
Gelato di Risso
Made with more milk than cream, gelato takes on a lighter, silkier texture than ice cream. Located on The Hill, Gelato di Risso crafts classic gelato flavors.
Greenline Paper Company
Fair-trade chocolate is available from this large, non-local distributor
I Scream Cakes
GDA Member: Artisan ice creams and custom ice cream cakes with all organic ingredients.
Kakao Chocolate
GDA Member: This chocolatier makes every kind of confection you could dream of, from scratch and with sustainable cocoa.
Sugar Witch Ice Cream Sandwiches
Innovative ice cream deserts with an aim for a more equitable food system.
TCHO | New American Chocolate
TCHO (pronounced “choh”) is dedicated to chocolate from organically-grown farms with which THCO has a direct relationship. Free shipping on order $49 or more.
Whisk: a Sustainable Bake Shop
GDA Member: Innovative, from-scratch goods from Cherokee Street – often made with organic and locally-sourced ingredients.
For distributors offering a variety of goods or specialty items, browse this list:
Billy Goat Chip Company
The Billy Goat Chip Co. prides itself in its locally-made, artisan chips. With fresh, all-natural, hand-made chips cooked every day, no mass-produced chip can compete in texture or flavor.
Eat Here St. Louis – Andy Ayers
A one-man effort dedicated to bringing fresh, local food to St. Louis restaurants, Andy has a weekly listing of produce and specialty items available. Contact andy@eatherestl.com or 314-518-6074
Double Star Farms
This Illinois collective now sources produce, poultry, eggs, and dairy. Ask about their current supply.
Fortune Fish Company
This Chicago-based seafood company focuses on “making the right choices for more choices,” recognizing the high cost of overfishing. They have an impressive host of sustainability policies, partnerships, and initiatives. Known for their high-quality fish, Fortune also stocks many gourmet meats, cheeses, spices and bulk items.
Known & Grown STL
Known & Grown STL works to build a resilient food community by supporting and spreading awareness about humane and chemical-free farmers within 150 miles of St. Louis.
Kuna Foodservice
Kuna has been operating in St. Louis for four generations and over 100 years, and now distributes everything a food service provider could need, from chemicals to meats to to-go materials. While not everything they source is local, express your interest in local providers and you will receive an impressive laundry list.
Morel Marketplace (April-May)
Foraged fresh from the woodlands around St. Louis and the Midwest. Call ahead of time, and act fast – the season is quick! | (314) 705-1741| morelmarketplace@yahoo.com
WhatChefsWant (formerly SunFarm)
Starting at the Soulard Market in the 1920’s, SunFarm now sources a great variety of foods. Ask for local and organic.
Top 10 Best Urban Farms – RFT
2014’s hot list for Top 10 Urban Farms in St. Louis, compiled by Sara Graham for the Riverfront Times.
Urban Buds: City Grown Flowers
Sustainable seafood distributors and resources:
BlueWater Seafood
BlueWater Seafood has created 10 sustainability partnerships and only sources certified sustainable fish. Sister company Gorton’s has taken on the same practices and partnerships.
Fortune Fish Company
This Chicago-based seafood company focuses on “making the right choices for more choices,” recognizing the high cost of overfishing. They have an impressive host of sustainability policies, partnerships, and initiatives. Known for their high-quality fish, Fortune also stocks many gourmet meats, cheeses, spices and bulk items.
Greenpeace Tuna Guide 2015
If you have canned tuna on the menu, make sure it’s a brand you can trust. Reference this go-to guide for an annual ranking of all the top brands.
Gorton’s
Gorton’s has created 10 sustainability partnerships and only sources certified sustainable fish. Sister company BlueWater Seafood has taken on the same practices and partnerships.
Seafood Slavery Risk Tool
Find out if the seafood you’re sourcing has any risk of being with practices that violate human rights!
Santa Barbara Fish Market
SBFM offers high quality seafood while supporting sustainability through the education of their staff and customers, and by teaming up with organizations like the Ty Warner Sea Center Sustainable Seafood Program. Overnight delivery.
Triple J Shrimp
Locally farmed shrimp grown without antibiotics or hormones.
Organic, Fair Trade spice sources; local/regional, organic oil sources.
Burlap & Barrel
Spices direct from small farms across the globe.
Healthy Harvest
A family owned organization that makes organic, non-GMO cooking oils, including sunflower oil. They use a natural expeller process, without hydrogenation or chemicals, making Healthy Harvest a healthy choice for your family or customers.
Fox River Dairy
Fox River is a local distributor who has been servicing the St. Louis area since 1910. Among many other speciality products, bulk items and spices, Fox River carries a variety of local, regional, and non-local/regional cheese.
Spicely Organics
Fair Trade, Organic spices for wholesale online, whole and powered. They also source teas.
St. Louis Composting
St. Louis Composting processes roughly 500,000 cubic yards of green material annually. Turn your restaurant’s food waste into nutritious compost for gardeners and local farmers!
636-825-6206
Ace Grease Service Inc.
Family-owned and -operated since 1993, AGS services the Midwest’s restaurants, hotels, hospitals, penal institutions and large food manufacturing plants. They offer a variety of services: used oil and grease pick-up, grease trap cleaning, line jetting, mobile power washing, and waste water hauling. AGS then processes and recycles the raw material into plastics, soaps, livestock feed, and biodiesel fuel.
1-800-GREASE3
All Green: Electronics Recycling
All Green operates nationwide, but is headquartered here in St. Louis. They offer pick-ups for electronics, if you have no way or time to transport them. You can request a quote on the webpage provided.
American Eagle Waste Ind.
Single-stream recycling for and by the St. Louis area. Pick-up times are 1-6 times per week as needed for your business. Pricing and location availability vary. 314.631.8381
Batteries + Bulbs: Recycling
Batteries Plus Bulbs is committed to recycling spent batteries and light bulbs as a means to reduce waste in our landfills, stop harmful chemicals from contaminating our soil and water, and preserve our environment by decreasing the need for new raw materials from the Earth. Multiple locations in and around St. Louis.
Battery and Electronics Recycling
Batteries can contain heavy metals, such as cadmium, lead, lithium, mercury, nickel, silver, and zinc. Unless they are properly recycled, these metals harm the environment and human health by leaching into surface water, air, or groundwater. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, consumer batteries contribute more mercury and cadmium to municipal solid waste than any other source.
The good news is that plenty of nearby places accept used batteries for recycling. This list from the City of St. Louis will point you to the closest battery drop-off spot. If you are going through lots of batteries services like Green Earth Battery Recycling provide a container and pick-up service.
St. Louis County Recycle Wizard
EPA’s Reduced Food Waste and Packaging Toolkit
Understanding the amount, type of, and reason for food waste is the first step toward reducing it. This toolkit helps restaurants, grocers, caterers, and other commercial kitchens to save money and reduce their environmental impact. The kit also includes an Excel audit tool that allows users to tailor their waste tracking to the level of detail needed for their facility. Once the data is entered, the spreadsheet automatically generates graphs and data summaries to help facilities identify opportunities to reduce waste.
Always Food Safe
An online-only ANSI certified food-safe training program. Online-only services significantly reduce paper waste.
StaffedUp
A paperless hiring services for restaurants.
Ace Grease Service Inc.
Family-owned and -operated since 1993, AGS services the Midwest’s restaurants, hotels, hospitals, penal institutions and large food manufacturing plants. They offer a variety of services: used oil and grease pick-up, grease trap cleaning, line jetting, mobile power washing, and waste water hauling. AGS then processes and recycles the raw material into plastics, soaps, livestock feed, and biodiesel fuel.
1-800-GREASE3
Advantage Chemical Systems
Locally-produced, energy-conserving dish and all-purpose cleaning products and equipment. ACS provides Safer Choice certified Machine detergents and surface cleaners, enzymatic floor cleaners, and Better Life all-purpose cleaners, glass cleaners, and soaps for commercial kitchens.
Eric at (314) 565-4014
Barr Co. – Natural Soaps
Barr Co. is based in St. Louis, and its soaps are 99.7% naturally-derived, with oatmeal and shea as their base. Their products – bar and liquid soaps – add a touch of sophistication and fragrance to restrooms.
Blue Chip Pest Control
Blue Chip Pest Control now offers ‘green pest control’ for commercial businesses. They work to reduce the amount of chemicals required by implementing preventative measures first, then baiting, and then spraying exteriors. They also use chemicals from the EPA’s Reduced Risk listing.
636-343-7900
Clean Uniform Company
Headquartered in St. Louis, this linen company has taken great steps to green their business. One of the few St. Louis options for environmentally-friendly chemicals in their washers, take a look at their practices:
- ISO 14001 Environmental Certification
- Environmentally Friendly Chemicals (NPE Free)
- Waste Water Treatment Systems
- Efficient Routing
- On-Demand Printing
- 2 Facilities Partially Solar Powered
Contact them at (314) 421-1220, or hello@cleanuniform.com
(314) 421-1220 or hello@cleanuniform.com
Certifications for Chemicals
Look for Safer Choice and Green Seal certifications when purchasing cleaning chemicals:
Crown Linen Service
Crown Linen, founded in 1891 and completely local since then, has implemented competitive greening strategies at their establishment, making sure they’re decreasing their carbon and energy footprint in many ways, including:
1) Company policy that delivery vehicles are turned off at every stop, not idling.
2) Recycling all packaging materials
3) Reselling, reusing, or donating all textiles that are removed from service.
4) Installed heat recovery units to reduce BTU’s
5) Implemented programs reducing water consumption from 2.62 gallon/lb in 2001 down to 1.94 gallons/lb per pound in 2014 – a 26% reduction
6) Waste water heat reclamation system allows the transfer of BTU’s from wastewater to fresh incoming water, saving tens of millions BTU’s per year
See more about their services at their website. They also offer customization services for staff uniforms.
EnergyStar Savings
Take a look at EnergyStar’s online cost savings pamphlet and be amazed at the savings… Then, check out Ameren’s BizSavers incentives to see if you can get a cash rebate for your purchase. Upgrade, save money on bills, and even get cash from Ameren for it!
EPA: Minimum Risk Pesticides
Pest problem? Be sure to look over the EPA’s list of approved pesticides so that you can make an informed choice when selecting your pest control service.
Intercon Chemical
A local chemical manufacturer for 30 years, Intercon is proud to bring you Blue Planet, a line of cleaning products that are both environmentally-friendly and effective! Contact them here to find a distributor for your business.
314-771-6600
1100 Central Industrial Drive
St. Louis Missouri 63110
Bertarelli Cutlery
Serving St. Louis restaurants since 1974, Bertarelli offers knife and sharpening services in addition to supplying a range of compostable and recyclable to-go packaging options.
Evanesce
Coming to the U.S. in 2022. Sustainable packaging that’s compostable in your backyard! As a sustainable technology innovator, we’re revolutionizing sustainable packaging with 100% compostable and affordable plant-based solutions. We’re committed to replacing single-use plastics and Styrofoam with eco-friendly solutions that are affordable. Together, we can inspire change for a healthier planet.
FoodBizSupply
This is a large supplier with a huge range of options – at warehouse prices. They tout themselves as “Your one-stop eco-centric supplier for 300+ biodegradable and compostable tableware, paper products, to-go packaging, green clean-up supplies, and more.” It would take too long to list their products – chances are: if you need it, they have it. Discounts for online orders over $1000 are available.
1-888-611-4388
Ford Hotel Supply
Ford Hotel Supply offers non-toxic, no VOC cleaning products, recyclables, and energy-efficient appliances. A St. Louis business since 1911, Ford Hotel Supply received the 2012 Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year Award through the U.S. Small Business Administration.
(800) 472-3673
Galligreen Cutlery
Galligreen offers sleek, sturdy, biodegradable disposables and to-go ware, all made from the byproducts from food production. They also offer heat stable paper products for drinks and soups, an enzymatic de-greaser, and even non-toxic batteries. They have categories for compostable, sustainable, and recyclable options.
Imperial Dade
Imperial Dade (formerly Garret Paper) is another supplier with a huge range of products. While not all of their products are eco-friendly, their sales team will work with you to find something green and in line with your budget. Imperial Dade offers many paper, recyclable, and compostable products available, as well as attractive recycling bins for your interior.
Good Start Packaging
Since 2009, Good Start has sourced only the most sustainable packaging made from the cleanest tried and tested materials. They have a large variety of take out and compostable containers made from natural sources. Also check out their excellent composting explainer.
Green Paper Products
A large selection of eco-friendly to-go packaging. Free carbon neutral shipping on orders over $89.
Greenline Paper Company
This Pennsylvania company offers one of the widest ranges of green and sustainable products – from non-toxic cleaning supplies – to eco-friendly disposables – to organic and fair-trade tea and chocolate. Whether you’re looking for supplies for the office, the bathroom, or the kitchen, take a look at Greenline Paper.
1-800-641-1117
Kuna Foodservice
Local foodservice suppliers based in Dupo IL. They carry a large selection of recyclable and compostable to-go containers in addition to fresh produce, meat and dairy.
Meridian Supply
The Green Dining Alliance and earthday365 are excited to announce a new partnership with Meridian Supply, a family-owned and operated restaurant supplier in Overland, MO. Meridian is generously offering Green Dining Alliance members discounted prices on a selection of certified sustainable products. This partnership reflects our mission to help restaurants reduce their environmental footprint without breaking the bank.
Contact Eli at Meridian (elimiller@meridianrs.com) or call 314-412-9575.
Office Essentials Inc.
Office Essentials is a local company carrying a variety green cleaning and facility products for the front and back of house. In support of green and sustainable business in St. Louis, they’ve created an exclusive, discounted catalog for GDA Members.
1834 Walton Rd. , St. Louis, MO 63114
1.866.251.9802
Pactiv
Pactiv is the world’s largest food service packaging company. They have taken significant steps toward greening by assessing their energy use* and working toward waste reduction. Look through their products for some green and sustainable choices.
*Pactiv cites polystyrene as a “sustainable” and “environmentally preferable” material because of its light weight and potential for recycling. It is undoubtedly true that lighter materials require less fuel to ship. That being said, polystyrene is not ‘sustainable.’ The EPA estimates that polystyrene – a petroleum-based material – occupies more than 25% of our landfills; it’s usually not recycled, and even if it is, it eventually breaks down into extremely small particles (styrene, a known carcinogen) that linger in soil and water for thousands of years.
Seventh Generation
A popular and recommended green company, dedicated to developing products that are friendly to the planet and the people who live on it. Natural and non-toxic cleaning supplies are available, as well as recycled paper products for bathrooms and kitchens.
Vegware
Vegware uses a variety of renewable plant-based materials to manufacture their products. In its finished form, all Vegware packaging is compostable in commercial facilities. Check out their expansive catalog of renewable products for restaurants.
World Centric
World Centric has a full line of sustainable and compostable foodservice items such as plates, hot and cold cups with lids, cutlery and take out containers to eliminate Styrofoam and plastics. World Centric is a certified B corporation with a zero carbon footprint and products made in the USA.
Advantage Chemical Systems
Locally-produced, energy-conserving dish and all-purpose cleaning products and equipment. Site under construction – call for more information.
For a full list of environmentally friendly cleaning chemicals, email acsstl@gmail.com or call Eric Hammerstone at (314) 565-4014.
7007 Willow Branch Ct., St. Louis, MO 63129
Eric at (314) 565-4014 or Jason at (314) 221-1313
Battery Recycling
Batteries can contain heavy metals, such as cadmium, lead, lithium, mercury, nickel, silver, and zinc. Unless they are properly recycled, these metals harm the environment and human health by leaching into surface water, air, or groundwater. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, consumer batteries contribute more mercury and cadmium to municipal solid waste than any other source.
The good news is that plenty of nearby places accept used batteries for recycling. This list from the City of St. Louis will point you to the closest battery drop-off spot. If you are going through lots of batteries services like Green Earth Battery Recycling provide a container and pick-up service.
Dyson Airblade Hand dryers
Get the greenest, cleanest hand dryers for your restaurant and never deal with another paper towel invoice again! Offers two sleek varieties of hand dryers and even a tap and hand dryer in one.
888-397-6622
EnergyStar Savings
Take a look at EnergyStar’s online cost savings pamphlet and be amazed at the savings.
Excel Hand Dryer
Using 80% less energy than older hand dryers – and saving you 95% what you spend with a paper tower dispenser – the Excel Hand Dryer company’s Xlerator is also the most hygienic hand drying method for your restaurant’s restrooms.
800.255.9235
Food Service Technology Center
The Food Service Technology Center is dedicated to innovative, energy efficient technology in food service. Browse this site for information as well as equipment.
Food Service Technology Center: Spray Valves
A fantastic way to save hundreds in gas bills, sewage costs, and gallons of water all in one easy fix? Install pre-rinse spray valves with water saving technology. Take a look at this cost comparison sheet for details and consider it for your dish stations!
Ford Hotel Supply
Ford Hotel Supply offers non-toxic, no VOC cleaning products, recyclables, and energy-efficient appliances. A St. Louis business since 1911, Ford Hotel Supply received the 2012 Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year Award through the U.S. Small Business Administration.
(800) 472-3673
Metro Lighting: Products
Metro Lighting brings stylish, energy efficient lighting to the St. Louis community. If you’re looking for something special, definitely check Metro Lighting first! This local company also has a CFL recycling program and excellent resources for better understanding the effects our lighting choices have on the environment (see Industry Resources for more information). Metro Lighting is highly connected to greening St. Louis, and offers free lighting consultations for your business. Invite them in to calculate your costs and savings, and discover which CFL and LED bulbs are right for you.
314-963-8330
Meridian Supply
The Green Dining Alliance and earthday365 are excited to announce a new partnership with Meridian Supply, a family-owned and operated restaurant supplier in Overland, MO. Meridian is generously offering Green Dining Alliance members discounted prices on a selection of certified sustainable products. This partnership reflects our mission to help restaurants reduce their environmental footprint without breaking the bank.
Contact Eli at Meridian (elimiller@meridianrs.com) or call 314-412-9575.
Set the PACE St. Louis
PACE is a low-cost financing for energy efficiency/renewable energy upgrades available for City of St. Louis residential and commercial building owners. PACE has been piloting highly successful programs around the USA, and as of July 2013, now St. Louisans have an initiative tailored to our city. Check out this PNC-funded, Energy Equity Funding-powered tool to bring sustainability and savings to your business – with a positive cash-flow month by month.
St. Louis County Policy on Food Donations
A restaurant that follows the proper food handling guidelines (i.e. Servsafe and/or the FDA Food Code) is allowed to donate food without worrying about liability. Policy document can be found here.
All Hands on Deck
All Hands on Deck is a Community focused organization dedicated to alleviating food insecurity, promoting Community Health, and fostering neighborhood revitalization, environmental health and sustainability whose mission is to ensure equitable access to nutritious food and essential resources for all community members, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Through their free grocery food S.H.A.R.E. program, Community resource events, and neighborhood cleanups, we strive to improve the living environment, promote sustainability, and empower Communities.
contact@allhandsondeckstlouis.com
Text: 81010 with this message @ahod1
AmeriCorps St. Louis
Americorps St. Louis provides homeless services, including weekly outreach to the community and distribution of food donations. Reach out if you have any extra food to donate.
Feed My Peeps
Feed My Peeps is about moving food and feeding people. The ministry was founded by a caterer and director of a culinary school. She worked in hotels and numerous companies before deciding that all this good food chefs throw away is not only sad for them, but a waste for the hungry. So she founded Feed My Peeps, picking up food from local restaurants, caterers, and farms and distributing to the homeless and families with limited resources. FMP takes meat tips and scraps, recently expired goods, vegetables and fruits, and almost anything you could imagine as long as it’s edible. Call or email Jacki to set up a donation schedule.
2420 S. 12th Street , St. Louis, MO 63104
Jacki at 314-452-8578 or jackidirksmeyer@yahoo.com
Joseph Center – Eagle’s Nest of St. Clair County
Christopher of the Joseph Center can often pickup food donations to help feed unhoused veterans – call or text in advance to arrange donations.
618-271-4673
Operation Food Search
Operation Food Search is a St. Louis area food bank that distributes food, free of charge, to feed the poor and hungry. Call for pick-up information.
Food insecurity is a major problem in our region. Approximately 411,000 children in Missouri benefit from SNAP (food stamps), and there are more than 758,000 children in Illinois. OFS agencies served 2 million people in the City of St. Louis and 25 counties in Missouri and Illinois through community partners in 2012.
6282 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, Missouri 63130
Melanie, Agency Relations Manager: 314-325-1297
Office: 314-726-5355
SLU Campus Kitchen
The Campus Kitchen at St. Louis University is a food re-purposing program, making healthy meals for hungry individuals out of quality food that would otherwise be wasted.
The Campus Kitchen Project is a nation-wide effort by over 30 schools, and it has already saved over 400,000 lbs of food and served more than 250,000 meals to the hungry and struggling.
3672 West Pine Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103
314-977-3881
St. Louis Area Foodbank
St. Louis Area Foodbank is building a stronger bi-state region by nourishing people, empowering communities, and transforming systems.
314-227-3734
Conserve: Solutions for Sustainability
A resource for restaurants that are moving toward sustainability. Conserve has state-by-state and federal resources, as well as an online education program for restaurant owners.
End Hunger: Food Waste in America
The Society of St. Andrew has dedicated itself to ending hunger in America, so they have compiled resources for understanding and reducing food waste. They even have a live feed counter for the pounds of food waste in the USA since January 2014. Look here for a plethora of resources to understand and undermine the food waste crisis in our country.
Enrich
Enrich is a strategic design firm that specializes in developing branding programs for food and wellness companies whose products and services enrich the quality of life.
12 North Sarah Street , St. Louis, MO 63108
314.553.9500
Food Facts: Percent of Food Scraps Wasted by the Average American (In and Out of the Home)
Approximately 40 % of food in the U.S. goes to waste. When the resources to grow that food are considered, this amounts to more than $165 billion dollars dedicated to food that never gets eaten. Reducing your own food waste is an easy way to trim down your bills and your environmental footprint. Take a look at this quick summary to answer questions like:
How much do we waste?
What does wasting food cost us?
Where does food waste come from?
What can I do?
Metro Lighting: Recycling and Education
Metro Lighting has a CFL recycling program and excellent resources for better understanding the effects our lighting choices have on the environment. They bring stylish, energy efficient lighting to the St. Louis community.
314-963-8330
Sauce Magazine
Certified Members get a 20% discount on open rates when advertising in this GDA Sponsor’s award-winning magazine – with an average readership of 210,000 St. Louisans a month.
314-772-8004
St. Louis Earth Day Festival
Members of the Green Dining Alliance receive a $200 discount to be a visible part of the nation’s second largest Earth Day Festival. Thousands of St. Louisans attend each year.
Ameren ActOnEnergy: BizSavers, Commercial and Retail
The ActOnEnergy BizSavers program provides cash incentives and assistance to reduce your operating costs, improve customer experience and employee satisfaction, and increase the value of your facility. Business-owners may qualify for cash payments to upgrade their facilities to energy efficient standards. Examples include: lighting retrofits and controls; kitchen equipment upgrades; LED displays; and computer/IT equipment upgrades. Virtually any* cost-effective energy efficiency measure qualifies for an BizSavers incentive, including specialized systems and equipment, so ask Ameren about your business’ sustainable improvement plan.
*NOTE: Minimum incentive amount $150; Ameren will not provide incentives to upgrade from CFL’s to LED’s.
EnergyStar Savings
Take a look at EnergyStar’s online cost savings pamphlet and be amazed at the savings… Then, check out Ameren’s BizSavers incentives to see if you can get a cash rebate for your purchase. Upgrade, save money on bills, and even get cash from Ameren for it!
FLOR carpets and rugs
FLOR carpet tiles and area rugs are a sustainable choice for your establishment. The company conserves fossil fuels, water, and uses renewable materials. They also have a post-consumer recycling program for your used-up purchase.
Once called a “plunderer of the Earth,” CEO Ray Anderson is now lauded as the country’s greenest CEO. The company’s effort in sustainability has increased sales and doubled profits while turning the traditional “take / make / waste” industrial system on its head.
Green Street
Green Street identifies overlooked real estate opportunities and remakes them sustainably to excel in today’s marketplace. They recognize that the primary importance of sustainability is to improve the efficiency and costs. For consulting, construction services, and resources, look to Green Street when planning your next construction project.
Halcyon Shades
This local company uses state-of-the-art technology adapted from solar cells to help regulate the temperature of your establishment. The sun’s heat and UV rays shining through windows can greatly affect indoor climates, and these energy-saving shades can cut electricity costs greatly. Available in a variety of styles and even and programmable.
Metro Lighting: Products
Metro Lighting brings stylish, energy efficient lighting to the St. Louis community. If you’re looking for something special, definitely check Metro Lighting first! This local company also has a CFL recycling program and excellent resources for better understanding the effects our lighting choices have on the environment (see Industry Resources for more information). Metro Lighting is highly connected to greening St. Louis, and offers free lighting consultations for your business. Invite them in to calculate your costs and savings, and discover which CFL and LED bulbs are right for you.
314-963-8330
Mwanzi – Green Design, Building, and Supplies
We can’t suggest a better wood shop for your establishment than Mwanzi – not only is the look fresh and chic, but the products all come from rapidly-renewing materials (like bamboo), recycled content, low-emitting practices, or local and up-cycled sources. This shop has taken the care to buy from sources certified by trusted 3rd parties. Mwanzi also makes Caesarstone certified quartz countertops.
314.200.4123
Perennial
Perennial offers custom furniture from salvaged materials, interior installations and decor with reclaimed materials, and furniture make-overs to the St. Louis area. Call or email Jenny for details.
Jenny at 314.832.2288 or 314.971.MAKE
Set the PACE St. Louis
PACE is a low-cost financing for energy efficiency/renewable energy upgrades available for City of St. Louis residential and commercial building owners. PACE has been piloting highly successful programs around the USA, and as of July 2013, now St. Louisans have an initiative tailored to our city. Check out this PNC-funded, Energy Equity Funding-powered tool to bring sustainability and savings to your business – with a positive cash-flow month by month.
Ameren ActOnEnergy: BizSavers, Commercial and Retail
The ActOnEnergy BizSavers program provides cash incentives and assistance to reduce your operating costs, improve customer experience and employee satisfaction, and increase the value of your facility. Business-owners may qualify for cash payments to upgrade their facilities to energy efficient standards. Examples include: lighting retrofits and controls; kitchen equipment upgrades; LED displays; and computer/IT equipment upgrades. Virtually any* cost-effective energy efficiency measure qualifies for an BizSavers incentive, including specialized systems and equipment, so ask Ameren about your business’ sustainable improvement plan.
*NOTE: Minimum incentive amount $150; Ameren will not provide incentives to upgrade from CFL’s to LED’s.
Brightergy
One of Missouri’s most experienced solar providers, Brightergy offers free consultations to transition your business to sun power. Having already solar-powered the Clayton Police Dept., Gateway Stem High School, and the Parkway School District here in St. Louis, it’s clear that their four phase, customized process can fit your business too.
314-403-0564
Earth First Solar
Earth First Solar is dedicated to educating their clients on the direct benefits of solar energy for their business, as well as the lasting benefits for the environment. To ensure your system design is based on informed decisions and accurate return projections, Earth First Solar offers free solar energy estimates and site assessments to all prospects. They also run a retail store in Maplewood. Register today for a free estimate and assessment, and see how solar energy will save you money, build your corporate image, and help sustain our planet for future generations.
Kyle at 314-771-5131 or kyle.barber@earthfirstsolar.com
EnergyStar Savings
Take a look at EnergyStar’s online cost savings pamphlet and be amazed at the savings… Then, check out Ameren’s BizSavers incentives to see if you can get a cash rebate for your purchase. Upgrade, save money on bills, and even get cash from Ameren for it!
EnergyStar Checklist for Restaurants and Commercial Kitchens
The EPA offers this helpful checklist on maximizing energy and water efficiency in commercial kitchens.
EPA WaterSense Program
Visit this website for information on water savings – save water and protect the environment by choosing WaterSense labeled products in your home, yard, and business, and taking simple steps to save water each day.
Food Service Technology Center: Spray Valves and Induction Cooktops
A fantastic way to save hundreds in gas bills, sewage costs, and gallons of water all in one easy fix? Install pre-rinse spray valves with water saving technology. Take a look at this cost comparison sheet for details and consider it for your dish stations! Also consider a consultation for converting your stoves from gas to electric.
Frost Electric
Located in Maryland Heights, Frost offers a large selection of electrical and lighting products, including Green Choice. They have devised their own Green Choice Program, helping businesses operate in accordance with the new Energy Independence & Security Act. These distributors are also nationally-certified lighting experts. Request a lighting audit today.
(314) 567-4004
Halcyon Shades
This local company uses state-of-the-art technology adapted from solar cells to help regulate the temperature of your establishment. The sun’s heat and UV rays shining through windows can greatly affect indoor climates, and these energy-saving shades can cut electricity costs greatly. Available in a variety of styles and even and programmable.
Holt Energy
For energy and lighting audits for restaurants as well as replacement bulbs, this Ameren Platinum Trade Ally can help you save money on energy and transition from incandescent or fluorescent bulbs to LED lighting. Located in South City on Vandeventer.
636-290-8339
St. Louis County Department of Public Health
The Saint Louis County Department of Public Health encourages healthy living and a healthy environment through collaborative projects, grants, and policies that relate to preventative medicine, health education, controlling communicable diseases, sanitation, monitoring environmental hazards. One of the many ways the Saint Louis County Department of Public Health is able to keep the County safe and clean is through diverting waste from landfills. They achieve this important work by providing support to nonprofit organizations that encourage recycling, such as the Green Dining Alliance, through grants and other sponsorship programs.
Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP)
The Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) standards address environmental and social responsibility, animal welfare, food safety and traceability in a voluntary certification program for aquaculture facilities. BAP certification defines the most important elements of responsible aquaculture and provides quantitative guidelines by which to evaluate adherence to those practices. BAP standards are more comprehensive than other certification systems. Although individual standards vary by facility type, all BAP standards address community and employee relations, conservation of biodiversity, soil and water management, and drug and chemical management.
Conserve: Solutions for Sustainability
A resource for restaurants that are moving toward sustainability. Conserve has state-by-state and federal resources, as well as an online education program for restaurant owners.
Energy Star: Restaurants
Follow these simple ENERGY STAR cost-effective recommendations, and your investment in energy efficiency can give you up to a 30% return.
EnergyStar Savings
Take a look at EnergyStar’s online cost savings pamphlet and be amazed at the savings… Then, check out Ameren’s BizSavers incentives to see if you can get a cash rebate for your purchase. Upgrade, save money on bills, and even get cash from Ameren for it!
EPA WaterSense Program
Visit this website for information on water savings – save water and protect the environment by choosing WaterSense labeled products in your home, yard, and business, and taking simple steps to save water each day.
EPA: Minimum Risk Pesticides
Pest problem? Be sure to look over the EPA’s list of approved pesticides so that you can make an informed choice when selecting your pest control service.
EPA Tools for Preventing and Diverting Wasted Food
How much of your food and money are you literally throwing away? The Food Recovery Hierarchy prioritizes actions organizations can take to prevent and divert wasted food. Each tier of the Food Recovery Hierarchy focuses on different management strategies for your wasted food. The Heirarchy is part of the EPA’s Sustainable Materials Management Program, which seeks to reduce the environmental impact of materials through their entire life cycle, including how they are extracted, manufactured, distributed, used, reused, recycled, and the means of which they are disposed.
EPA’s Reduced Food Waste and Packaging Guide
Understanding the amount, type of, and reason for food waste is the first step toward reducing it. This guide helps restaurants, grocers, caterers, and other commercial kitchens to save money and reduce their environmental impact.
Food Service Technology Center
The Food Service Technology Center is dedicated to innovative, energy efficient technology in food service. Browse this site for information as well as equipment.
