Sustainable Gastronomy Day

Sustainable Gastronomy Day History

Sustainable Gastronomy Day is an annual observance that aims to highlight the importance of a sustainable approach towards food consumption and production. This global event emphasizes the need for preserving biodiversity, minimizing food waste, and promoting responsible agriculture practices. Recognizing the culinary arts as well as the cultural significance of food, Sustainable Gastronomy Day seeks to bridge the gap between gastronomy and sustainability, encouraging individuals and communities to adopt environmentally-friendly practices in their daily lives.

The United Nations General Assembly designated June 18th as Sustainable Gastronomy Day in 2016, underlining the role of food and gastronomy in achieving global sustainability. For Canadians, this observance holds particular relevance as the country is rich in natural resources and diverse agricultural practices. It offers an opportunity to appreciate local food traditions and innovative culinary techniques while addressing pressing environmental concerns such as climate change and the preservation of natural habitats. Sustainable Gastronomy Day encourages Canadians to be mindful of their food choices and strive for healthier, eco-friendly options in support of local businesses and the worldwide sustainability movement.

In Canada, Sustainable Gastronomy Day is typically marked by various events and initiatives that promote the core principles of sustainable gastronomy. These may include workshops, seminars, cooking demonstrations, food festivals, and restaurant promotions showcasing local and sustainable ingredients. Educational programs and awareness campaigns are also organized to highlight the ecological benefits of sustainable gastronomy practices. As a nation committed to responsible food consumption and production, Canada continues to celebrate Sustainable Gastronomy Day on June 18th, fostering a growing appreciation for the delicate balance between gastronomy and the environment.

Sustainable Gastronomy Day facts

• According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), about 1/3 of all the food produced in the world is either lost or wasted every year.
• UNESCO recognizes 30 food and drink-related traditions as part of its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
• Sustainable gastronomy encourages the utilization and promotion of locally grown or locally produced food products to reduce carbon footprint.
• Canadian farmers are increasingly adopting sustainable practices, such as crop rotation, integrated pest management, and agroforestry, to help mitigate the effects of climate change, protect biodiversity, and ensure food security.
• Farm-to-table (also known as farm-to-fork) is a social movement encouraging consumers and chefs to choose local, seasonal, and ethically sourced food. Many Canadian restaurants prioritize sourcing ingredients from nearby producers to create unique dishes while reducing their carbon footprint.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Sustainable Gastronomy Day

Top things to do in Canada for Sustainable Gastronomy Day

• Discover 6 tips on how to reduce food waste.
• Visit your local farmers market. By buying locally you can help support farmers and your community.
• Watch a documentary to learn more about gastronomy in Canada. Here are our top picks:
  1. Montreal Cooks: A Tasting Menu from the City's Leading Chefs (2015) - A documentary that explores different cuisines from various restaurants in Montreal, Canada.
  2. The Heat: A Kitchen (R)evolution (2018) - A documentary that focuses on female chefs in the male-dominated culinary industry in Canada and across the globe.
  3. The Fruit Hunters (2012) - This Canadian documentary is centered around the exploration of exotic fruits and their importance in gastronomy.
  4. Les saveurs du Palais (2012) - A French movie that is inspired by the life of a gastronomic chef who worked for the President of France and is played by Canadian actress Catherine Frot.
• Read a book to learn more about sustainable gastronomy in Canada. Here are our suggestions:
  1. The Edible City: Toronto's Food from Farm to Fork edited by Christina Palassio and Alana Wilcox
  2. Northern Bounty: A Celebration of Canadian Cuisine by Jo Marie Powers
  3. Locavore: From Farmers' Fields to Rooftop Gardens, How Canadians are Changing the Way We Eat by Sarah Elton