Incorporating UBC Farm products into Bernoulli's Bagels' menu

The UBC Food System Project (UBCFSP) is an action-based research project involving the collaboration of various partners from the UBC community. The main purpose of the project is to assess and improve the sustainability of the UBC food system. The focus of scenario three was to incorporate UBC Farm products into the menu of the AMS Food and Beverage Department (AMSFBD) outlet, Bernoulli’s Bagels. The group reviewed literature of previous AGSC 450 reports and communicated with project stakeholders, including Bernoulli’s Bagels, UBC Farm, and AMS Food and Beverage Department through interviews and email. Although the group generated several proposals, the incorporation of UBC Farm jalapeno peppers in Bernoulli’s Bagels’ existing jalapeno bagel and cream cheese was the most viable idea put forward. A survey to assess consumer awareness of UBC Farm, attitudes toward supporting local agriculture, and the group’s vision of incorporating UBC Farm jalapeno peppers into Bernoulli’s Bagels menu was also administered. Results showed limited awareness of UBC Farm but significant support for the project. The group also devised a plan to freeze UBC Farm jalapeno peppers in the off season, in order to supply Bernoulli’s Bagels with UBC Farm jalapeno peppers year round, and conducted a freezing experiment and cost analysis to determine potential feasibility. The freezing experiment results showed that although texture changes occurred to jalapeno peppers post-freezing, they are still suitable for baking. The cost analysis showed that with volunteer labor, freezing jalapeno peppers would be both a sustainable and profitable venture for UBC Farm to consider. Developing a connection between AMS and UBC Farm creates an opportunity for promotion of UBC Farm and the importance of supporting local agriculture. Therefore, the group designed a promotional strategy to facilitate increased awareness of UBC Farm and the proposed UBC Farm jalapeno bagel and cream cheese. The project’s conclusion was to incorporate UBC Farm jalapeno peppers into Bernoulli’s Bagels’ menu in September 2007. Disclaimer: “UBC SEEDS provides students with the opportunity to share the findings of their studies, as well as their opinions, conclusions and recommendations with the UBC community. The reader should bear in mind that this is a student project/report and is not an official document of UBC. Furthermore readers should bear in mind that these reports may not reflect the current status of activities at UBC. We urge you to contact the research persons mentioned in a report or the SEEDS Coordinator about the current status of the subject matter of a project/report.”Land and Food Systems, Faculty ofUnreviewedUndergraduat