News Paris makes history, hosting the most plant-forward Olympics yet

The host city of the 2024 Olympic Games has set its sights firmly on sustainability gold.

All eyes will be turning to Paris during what looks to be the most eco-consciously planned Olympic Games yet, when it comes to measures of health and sustainability.  

The organizing committee set the ambitious goal of reducing carbon emissions by 50% to that of previous years, a target which is in alignment with the 2015 Paris Agreement. And the most impactful way identified to achieve this goal is with their menus. 

The first step, according to the Paris Olympics Food Vision report, is to reduce animal proteins and offer more fruit, veg, and plant-based proteins in their meal offerings.  

Adding more plant-based ingredients to food is the most effective way of reducing the carbon footprint of catering in a significant way. By doing so at a sporting event, we can shine a spotlight on a healthier and more environmentally friendly way of eating.

Paris Olympics Food Vision report

France is currently the highest consumer of beef and venison per capita, so the recognition of the environmental impact of animal agriculture – and the implementation of a far more plant-based approach – is significant. 

The 13 million meals expected to be served during the 4–week duration of the Games will look something like this:

🌍 60% of meals on offer to spectators will be vegetarian 

🌍 40,000 meals a day are expected to be served in the Olympic Village athletes’ restaurant, which will be the largest restaurant in the world. Of the 500 recipes approved to cater to the 15,000 athletes dietary and cultural needs, one third will be vegetarian

🌍 For employees, volunteers, media, and Olympic and Paralympic family, 50% of meals provided will be vegetarian, or have plant-proteins in place of animal sources

🌍 80% of food will be of French origin, avoiding emissions from excess transportation. In fact, no food is to be transported by air whatsoever, with 25% of food sourced within a 250km radius

🌍 30% of the food will be organic

🌍 80% of meals will include sustainability labelling 

Paris is relishing this opportunity to highlight seasonal ingredients and dishes originating from each French region, showcasing their world renowned excellence in gastronomy – with a plant-forward focus.

To define our Food Vision, we wanted to involve everyone who brings French cuisine to life throughout the country; nearly 120 organisations and experts therefore helped us define what we want to serve. More plant-based, more local, more sustainable and just as delicious: our ambition is to harness the creativity of French cuisine to drive the food transition.

Tony Estanguet, Paris 2024 President

Throughout the Games, top chefs, food partners, and suppliers will highlight the benefits of each meat-free offering through education using environmental and health labelling. They will also champion each dish and ingredient’s origins, the culinary creativity, and of course, the taste. And in event areas which may bring an audience less likely to embrace a more sustainable approach? Well, they’ve planned (undisclosed) initiatives to help give them a little nudge!  

Pssst! There are plenty of plant-powered athletes to cheer on these Olympics! Keep an eye out for Isobel Batt-Doyle, Tammara Thibeault, Perris Benegas, Vivian Kong and Ella Williams, or read about their plant-based journeys here.

Header image: © Paris Olympic Games