Sustainability and wellness are top of mind for event planners and attendees, and one way to incorporate both is with plant-based menus at events. While going completely meat-free makes the biggest impact, particularly when it comes to event sustainability, even limiting meat options and offering more vegetarian meals can be beneficial.

In this blog post, experience the difference plant-based menus make for an event’s sustainability and wellness goals.

The Environmental Benefits of Plant-Based Event Menus

Food waste is one of the top five sources of event emissions. Many sustainable practices focus on reducing this waste, but a vegetarian or plant-based menu is a more sustainable choice before attendees take the first bite. By omitting meat from menus, the environmental footprint of an event dramatically decreases.

“Global greenhouse gas emissions from animal-based foods are twice those of plant-based foods,” according to one study.¹ Another analysis shows vegan diets specifically result in “75% less climate-heating emissions, water pollution, and land use… [and] cut the destruction of wildlife by 66% and water use by 54%.”²

If going entirely meat-free is too extreme, then event planners should at least avoid beef, the least sustainable meat. Beef production causes more greenhouse gas emissions and uses more resources than other types of meat, including pork and poultry. For reference, “beef requires 20 times more land and emits 20 times more greenhouse gas emissions per gram of edible protein than common plant proteins.”³

Another way to make the menu more sustainable, even if it includes meat, is to choose organic, locally sourced, and in-season items since they require fewer resources to produce and transport.

The Wellness Benefits of Plant-Based Event Menus

Wellness is a top concern for today’s attendees, and a meatless menu is a simple way to incorporate wellness without requiring extra time or sessions. The proven health benefits of a plant-based diet include a better immune system, reduced inflammation, lower blood pressure, and higher energy levels. This last benefit is particularly important for events.

When meal breaks offer nutrient-dense, whole foods, attendees are more refreshed and energized for the rest of the day, which also makes them more attentive and engaged in the event overall. Such meals also keep attendees full longer, so they spend more time engaged in their sessions and less time wondering when the next snack or meal is.

Vegetarian meals also contribute to improved mental health. Early research shows that a plant-rich diet may improve moods, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and decrease stress.⁴

How to Make It Happen

Sustainability and wellness considerations aside, a meatless event means there’s one less dietary restriction to contend with.

Plant-Based Alternatives to Meat

Plant-based alternatives not only replace the protein found in meat but also contribute to a diet rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. These alternatives include:

• Legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, and beans. They are excellent sources of protein, offering both versatility and nutritional benefits.
• Tofu and tempeh, both made from soy. These popular meat substitutes have high protein content and the ability to absorb flavors in various dishes.
• Seitan, a wheat-based protein that is known for its chewy texture that closely resembles meat.
• Quinoa, edamame, and nuts like almonds and peanuts that provide significant protein while also offering essential fats. Although depending on the event size, it may be better to avoid nuts due to the popularity of nut-based allergies.

Introducing Meat-Free Menus to Attendees

Plant-based foods are also enticing when they still include an element of choice. Build-your-own meals such as build-your-own salads, bowls, or pastas are one easy example of how attendees can still choose exactly how they want to go meat-free.

If an entirely vegetarian menu isn’t possible or won’t be well received by attendees, there are still ways to prioritize plant-based options. For example, if the meal includes a choice of entrée, make the vegetarian entrée the default so attendees must specifically request the meat entrée.

Also, provide specific information about vegetarian menu items. Attendees are more likely to choose those items if they know exactly what they’re getting. Besides, “pasta primavera with roasted vegetables” or “jackfruit BBQ pulled pork” sounds more appetizing than just “vegetarian entrée.”

Next Steps

Whether you’re ready to introduce plant-based menus to your events or are looking for other event solutions focused on sustainability and wellness, M&IW’s industry-leading experts are ready to help. Contact us to experience the difference M&IW makes for sustainability and wellness at meetings, events, and incentives. Already an M&IW customer? Contact your Customer Success Manager.

Contributor

Donna Collins

Sustainability Champion

Meetings & Incentives Worldwide, Inc.

Sources

¹ Nature, 2021

² The Guardian, 2023

³ World Resources Institute, 2022

⁴ Health Council Canada, 2024

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