Food & Beverage

Include Food Plans in Your Event Submission

Food can make an event more welcoming, but requirements differ depending on the campus, location, provider, and type of food being served.

Include all food and beverage plans when creating your event in Clubs Den. Do not order from an outside provider or advertise food service until the arrangement has been reviewed.

Your club must have enough money available in its LUSU account before making catering arrangements.

LUSU Spaces in Thunder Bay

Events held in The Outpost or The Study Coffeehouse use LUSU’s in-house food and beverage services.

Contact LUSU through the event-planning process to discuss available catering, bar service, and event options. These spaces do not require the separate Lakehead alternate-food-provider process when food and beverage service is being provided by LUSU.

Lakehead Campus Spaces

Events held in Lakehead classrooms, athletics facilities, outdoor areas, and other University spaces must follow Lakehead Food and Conference Services requirements.

The approved campus food-service provider should be used where possible. The event’s Primary Event Organizer will act as the main contact for catering arrangements and budget decisions.

Lakehead Campus Catering Procedure

Low-Risk Food Activities

Some limited food activities may qualify for Lakehead’s low-risk food process, including:

  • Potlucks involving invited participants.
  • Bake sales.
  • Barbecues using pre-cooked meat.
  • Limited firepit foods.
  • Similar activities with a relatively low risk of food-borne illness.

Low-risk approval is not automatic. Include the full food plan in the event submission and complete the form assigned during review.

Lakehead Low-Risk Food Waiver

Alternate Caterers and Outside Food Providers

Food ordered from an outside restaurant, caterer, food truck, or paid provider may require Lakehead’s alternate-food-provider process.

Depending on the arrangement, the provider may be asked to supply:

  • Proof of liability insurance.
  • Health inspection information.
  • Workplace safety clearance.
  • Food-safety certification.
  • An alternate-provider agreement.
  • Additional risk-management documentation.

Applications must be completed and approved at least 10 business days before the event. Processing or coordination fees may apply.

Lakehead Non-University Food Provider Requirements

Lakehead Alternate Caterer Form

Food Safety

The PEO must ensure the approved food plan is followed.

Consider:

  • Safe food preparation and handling.
  • Access to proper handwashing.
  • Safe hot and cold holding temperatures.
  • Transportation, storage, and serving time.
  • Food allergies and dietary information.
  • Cleanup and disposal.
  • Applicable public-health requirements.

Unapproved outside food may result in additional charges or the event being stopped.

Alcohol and Licensed Events

Alcohol may only be served through an approved licensed-event process.

Include alcohol plans in the Clubs Den event submission and allow additional planning time. Do not purchase, provide, serve, or advertise alcohol until the event and service arrangements have been approved.

Promotion may refer to the event as licensed, but must not present alcohol as the event’s main purpose or attraction.

Lakehead Alcohol and Bar Services Policy

For licensed-event planning: