Community Outreach

Student Community

We're proud to support the efforts of the Columbia student community and provide donations for student group fundraisers and special events such as the Run for Hunger, CCI Hunger Dinner, the Child Rights Conference, Relay for Life, and various student council fundraising events.

Local Community

We firmly believe in supporting the community in which Columbia is a part. We donate surplus fresh fruits and vegetables to City Harvest, neighborhood churches, homeless shelters, and soup kitchens or provide kitchen equipment to neighborhood churches, homeless shelters, and soup kitchens.

In 2023, Columbia Dining was presented with the Together We Can Make a Difference Award at the Columbia University Community Impact annual benefit gala for our commitment to supporting the local community and food accessibility initiatives. 

Harlem Local Vendors Program

Columbia Dining is a member of the Harlem Local Vendor Program (HLVP), designed to support Harlem food and product entrepreneurs. The HLVP is a partnership of the Columbia-Harlem Small Business Development Center and Harlem Park to Park.

The program includes business education, product consultation, vendor fairs and more. As a result of its involvement with the program, Columbia Dining has purchased products from local vendors to carry in its residential and retail locations, including the Por La Gracia De Dios Tres Leches CaféPabade Bakery's Vegan Muffins, Kamuni Creek, Mojo Desserts, Mama's One Sauce, Mama Margarita Salsa, Harlem Noir Cards, Fauzias, SD Sauce, Sylvia's Restaurant, Uncle Waithley's, and additional offerings already in the works.