The importance of sustainable food at events

The importance of sustainable food at events
17th February 2020 Event Essex
In Catering, Event Tips, Sustainability
Globe up close

What actually is ‘sustainable food’?

Before we discuss the importance of organising a sustainable event, we need to understand what a sustainable food system really is. Food sustainability implies a conscious and moderate use of resources, considering fair trade products and the enhancement of the environmental, ecological, social and economic value of a community.

It’s well-known that the food we consume has a significant impact on the environment. The use of land and water resources are only a couple of examples of our influence. Therefore, we need to be aware of today’s food production systems and make an effort to have the smallest impact on the Earth where possible in event catering.

Why is this important when you are planning an event?

When you are running an event that provides catering services, whether it is a large-scale lunch or just a few canapés, you are responsible for the food the attendees will be eating. It is not an easy job to choose the most suitable, inclusive and exciting menu. However, by offering a wide menu with many sustainable options, such as meat-free choices, you are helping event organisers make more sustainable food decisions.

Furthermore, opting for local and independent suppliers, you give back to local companies and benefit the community. An example of a small change that makes a huge difference is providing refillable large glass bottles instead of individual plastic bottles. Not only does this help to save the planet and reduce waste, but it also is a much cheaper option long-term.

Glass water bottle

What we offer…

At Event Essex, we support a sustainable food system through our local suppliers and homemade options. We offer a multitude of diverse catering packages, including standard and custom-made menus to fit any type of event and please all audiences. We have recently refreshed our menus and now include many more delicious vegetarian and vegan options. Look at our menu options and full allergens here.

For breakfast, we offer a Grilled Portobello Mushroom Roll and fresh fruit and pastries alongside traditional items such as a Grilled Sausage or Bacon Roll.

The Lunch menu includes choices such as our Homemade Vegetarian Tartlet of the Day, Sweet Potato Curry Turnover (it’s vegan!), Vegetable Crudités and vegetarian sandwich options.

Moreover, many vegetarian and vegan canapés are available for drinks receptions. These include; a Goats Cheese & Golden Beetroot Crostini; an Onion Bhaji & Mango Chutney Cup and the Houmous & Roasted Red Pepper Crostini.

Alongside our food options, we are working on making all our events more mindful and conscious of sustainable issues. We are proud to have won the Green Impact project award for our work around making our summer conferences more sustainable.

We hope this blog has highlighted why it is important to serve sustainable food at events, but also has made you realise that making sustainable food changes does not have to be difficult. If you would like Event Essex to help you run an event with a sustainably sourced menu, then get in touch today. We would love to hear from you!