City festivals, shelters trim beef and add veggies for the climate

The City of Toronto is taking steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by introducing new plant-based food options at shelters, daycares, and community centers. This initiative is part of the city’s commitment to the Coolfood Pledge, which aims to cut emissions from food purchases by 25 percent by 2030.

One of the new dishes being offered to clients is the creamy kale Caesar salad, along with Ghanaian red red stew. These dishes are part of a larger effort to promote more sustainable and environmentally friendly food choices. The United Nations estimates that a third of human-caused greenhouse gases are linked to food production, making it a significant contributor to climate change.

Cities across Canada, including Montreal, Rainbow Lake, and several Ontario communities, are also making commitments to provide less carbon-intensive meats and more plant-based foods. This shift towards plant-based options is seen as a crucial step in reducing emissions and combating climate change.

James Nowlan, the executive director of Environment, Climate, and Forestry for the City of Toronto, highlights the importance of addressing food emissions, which are the largest source of “indirect” emissions in the city. By reducing beef consumption and incorporating more plant-based proteins into meals, the city aims to lower its overall food emissions.

In addition to serving plant-based meals, Toronto has also signed the C40 Good Food Cities Declaration, which aligns food procurement with the Planetary Health Diet, a sustainable and plant-heavy eating plan. The city has been working with dietitians and staff to ensure that nutritional needs are met while transitioning to more plant-based options.

At a recent workshop at the Junction Place shelter, staff learned how to cook with plant-based proteins and demonstrated dishes such as moimoi and misir wat. The feedback from clients has been positive, and the city is hopeful that these changes will help raise awareness about sustainable food practices.

Other Canadian cities, such as Brampton, Kingston, and Caledon, have also endorsed initiatives to promote plant-based foods. By prioritizing plant-based options at city events and facilities, these cities are demonstrating their commitment to reducing emissions and promoting healthier food choices.

Overall, the shift towards plant-based foods in cities across Canada is a positive step towards combating climate change and promoting sustainable living. By offering more plant-based options, cities are not only reducing their environmental impact but also encouraging healthier eating habits among residents.