In 2019, Karen Zuccardi used her Clinton School Capstone project to develop a logic model for the City of Little Rock and other stakeholders interested in a more sustainable restaurant industry.
Zuccardi’s work resulted in the development of a new green restaurant certification initiative – “Swing Into Action” – that aims to increase sustainability efforts in Little Rock.
Launched in April 2022 and designed with the support of City Director Capi Peck and the Little Rock Sustainability Office, “Swing Into Action” recognizes restaurants that complete requirements for three tiers of certification. Completion of a tier level will earn restaurants recognition, free marketing, and displays of certification.
Zuccardi’s research, which included interviewing more than 50 restaurant owners, found that many Little Rock restaurants were already taking steps toward becoming more sustainable. However, their efforts lacked a cohesive, city-wide direction – which “Swing Into Action” now provides.
“Swing Into Action” is currently being piloted with an initial cohort of participating restaurants and plans to open applications for more restaurants to participate in the coming months.
The Clinton School Impact Minute is a recurring segment with Little Rock Public Radio, highlighting the Clinton School’s field service impact in Arkansas.
Since 2004, Clinton School students have completed more than 600 field service projects with nearly 300 organizations in Arkansas alone, creating immediate and long-term impact for businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies across the state.
Responses