Canadians Support Farmers in Sustainable Food Shift
Over half of Canadians believe farmers are helpful in moving us towards sustainable food, according to Sodexo Canada's second Sustainable Food Barometer.
The findings reveal that most Canadians are already engaging with sustainability and expect a collaborative, multi-faceted approach from the food industry to transition toward sustainable diets.
Beyond health benefits, over two fifths of Canadians associate sustainable food with reducing waste, supporting local producers, and ensuring long-term food security.
However, two-thirds cite price as the main barrier, mistakenly believing sustainable choices are more expensive.
The survey, conducted by Leger in August 2024, gathered insights from over 1,500 Canadians and compared them with Sodexo’s global findings from Brazil, India, France, the UK, and the US.
The Barometer highlights consumer behaviours, perceptions, and challenges, alongside strategies for advancing sustainable eating practices.
“The Sustainable Food Barometer shows Canadians support farmers and producers in transitioning to more sustainable practices, but they can’t do it alone. The food services industry is eagerly awaited in helping move consumers toward more sustainable choices,” says Sodexo Canada CEO Johanne Bélanger.
“At the heart of the transition, consumers expect us to implement strategies to promote a more sustainable way of eating. As the industry leader investing in this shift, Sodexo Canada is encouraging this change and answering expectations.”
Sustainable and Affordable Food Tips
- Whole-plant ingredients: Incorporate grains, beans, and nuts to reduce costs and carbon footprints.
- Local and seasonal food: Fresher, tastier, and less wasteful than imported options.
- Reduce red meat portions: Saves money, lowers environmental impact, and improves health.
- Canned and frozen produce: Convenient, nutritious, and reduces food waste.
- Seasoning mastery: Herbs and spices enhance flavour while keeping costs manageable.
Survey Highlights
- Sustainable Behaviours: While 69% of Canadians reduce food waste, fewer are engaging in sustainable actions like cooking leftovers or reducing processed food consumption.
- Shopping Priorities: Price continues to dominate consumer decisions, followed by taste and nutritional value.
- Challenges: Financial misconceptions and resistance to changing eating habits are major barriers to adopting sustainable food choices.
“The Sustainable Food Barometer demonstrates that in transitioning to more sustainable diets, we need to focus on adjustments or reductions rather than in-depth transformation. Trying an international recipe in the kitchen once or twice a week for example is one way to add less familiar but delicious and more sustainable ingredients,” says Sodexo Canada CSR Senior Sustainability Manager Davide Del Brocco.
“By taking an intentional approach to sourcing food and preparing meals, we’re helping consumers improve their health, expand their palettes, and reduce their carbon footprint.”
Photo Credit: freepik.com