Tag: stadium

Source: Last Week Tonight

When you enter a stadium or arena, do you ever wonder where your food comes from? Do you consider whether or not you can actually partake in the food being served at the arena? Well, there are those who actually do consider these things either due to dietary restrictions or personal convictions.

Fortunately, there are some arenas and stadiums who have made an extra effort to assist these individuals. For example, there are 17 professional sports venues that offer organic food and 14 that offer meat routinely untreated with antibiotics.

But being green with food also includes the donation of leftover food to local shelters to help those less fortunate.  It includes those stadiums and arenas who utilize local farmers to grow, or better yet, grow their own food to nourish the hungry souls who come through their gates for entertainment.

Overall, there are 5 components in acting green with food:

(a) menu planning – manage and track portions and demands to avoid waste plus  offer vegan/vegetarian meals as well as determine local/seasonal ingredients offerings;
(b) packaging – reduce packaging as well as offer recycleable, compostable and/or reuseable serviceware;
(c) preparation efficiency – mininize food waste plus create efficient ways to prepare to reduce energy and water consumption;
(d) procurement – choose to use USDA organic, antibiotic free, seasonal/locally produced food as well as certified sustainable seafood;   &  (e) waste diversion – education of fans and staff, implement recycling and composting of waste measures, and donate unused food to local shelters and food banks.

The way food is produced, transported, prepared, and disposed of has a profound impact on our environment which directly affects public health. It allows us all the opportunity to be innovative, and reward others who are innovative, with our health and the Earth’s resources.

Why does it matter that a stadium considers going green with food? Well, one reason is the Earth has limited resources, and we are responsible for taking care of its resources respectfully.  Plus, it feels good to be wasteful and be able to help others at the same time. Sports venues have an opportunity to educate themselves and their fans to assist the Earth in its health as well as our own.