How To Find a Sustainable Caterer
Be prepared to spend some time interviewing a prospective caterer or even several caterers. In general you want to discover their dedication to the principles of Sustainability and see how they are applying these principles in their catering business.
Is the company eager to learn more about Sustainability and put their learning into practice quickly? Are they trying to improve their Sustainable processes on a consistent basis, not just sporadically?
You might want to ask about their commitment to continuous improvement in these three basic areas:
People
Do they involve all the employees in some type of participatory management practices? Is Sustainability training provided? Do they offer employee benefit programs such as paying tuition for certain classes at local colleges? Are leftover foods donated to charitable programs? Does this sound like a place you would want to work?
Planet
Are they committed to locally sourcing foods, building partnerships with Sustainable suppliers? Do they recycle in all areas of the business? Do they use alternative material as often as possible? Do they offer non-disposable china, flatware, and glassware? Are delivery vehicles hybrids or are they using biofuels?
Profit
Is there any sort of profit sharing or performance bonus program in place? Is there a Green Team supporting everyone’s efforts to become more Sustainable? Does everyone use their time away from the business supporting organizations that promote Sustainable practices?
Are they are a member of the Sustainable Catering Association? (To be a member they must take a pledge to increasing their Sustainable practices each year.)
These suggested interview questions will help you discover if a caterer you are considering is committed to Sustainable practices.
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Event in Portland, OR, April 30 – Join us!
Travel Portland has opened their Partner Seminar: Sustainable Catering to the public. Join us if you can and learn about what sustainable catering means; how catering choices can help you meet the “triple bottom line” (economic, environmental, social); and how to apply green concepts to your own operations. More info at http://hub.tm/?cnOoo
Why food sources are important
Michael Pollan wrote an open letter to President Obama which explains why the President should be paying attention to food policy. It also clarifies why as a caterer we should be vitally interested in what is happening to our food systems – it directly impacts our business.
Even though this is a long article it is worth the time to wade thru it. Once you experience the clarity that Pollan writes with you will want to read his books. As you read his thoughts and implement the practices he makes you aware of your business will become more sustainable.