Food orders for work related events are to be vegan and vegetarian only

[ValerieVomit]

We all received an email at work to say that when we order catering in future for work related events we can only order vegetarian and vegan food. The management team has imposed this. It's to reduce our carbon footprint. I don't think that this means there is to be no carnivorous food available for the rest of the organisation but our department won't allow us to order any.

Reasonable or not?

Presumably all the people saying its reasonable like eating vegan vegetarian. This isnt saving the planet. This is BS because some idiot one thinks that will be more inclusive. Nobody is ordering for the celiacs, diabetics, or whatever preference. Lol reminds me of how bat shit crazy the vegan EA went when I told her I couldn’t have sugar. Lol

if they wanted to make a difference they buy local and sustainable.

Spot on 👏👏

That's what I mean. Look at all the ethics. Sounds great

I would be annoyed by this. I'm a carnivore and dislike people telling me what I can eat but am liberal about other people's choices. Provide a choice. What's the issue with that?
Btw, I often choose vegetarian food in a buffet. But I want to be able to choose, unless budget says otherwise

I am about the emails yes. I always say thank you in the email I send so I don't have to send a follow up one. I don't know the carbon footprint on a mumsnet post so perhaps I should consider that.

Just wanted to point out that raising animals for their meat uses much more water than growing plants.

What else are the management team doing to lower the organisations carbon footprint?

It would depend on the business.

Some would definitely pick up on it, some might not.

Pretty sure most people wouldn't go against the companies others just because Dave can be a bit fussy though!

It’s a fully reasonable decision. It’s work - presumably not where rely on for your full dietary needs ? I’d only think it was a bit tough if you were away for a few days. Daily events it’s fine. Eat a burger later !

Right.

So you have an issue with them not going far enough with what's being ordered (despite not knowing what's being ordered), but you happily eat the things you think they shouldn't offer to their staff?

I appreciate your honesty.

My work did this last year. It's a nightmare for me as I can't have soya so I can't eat at work events. Most of our visitors think the food is awful and it makes events very awkward as people shuffle around the food and then walk away, leaving early because they're hungry.

Hummus and anything with chick peas in it is nearly as high a protein level as steak.

Wouldn't bother me as long as it wasn't meat substitute as I won't eat that and would much prefer actual meat as trying to avoid too many over processed foods but I'd happily eat egg and cheese (proper cheese not vegan) sarnies if the ham and chicken are removed. I usually try and avoid veggie ones at a work buffet because I worry veggies will end up missing out but would otherwise be my preference. Mind you I don't think it's necessarily environmentally significant as it depends on sourcing. I would hope it would decrease wastage though and all round mean the spread of food was fairer.

Do you think we’re short of water in Scotland

What kind of food did they serve?

I don't have a policy no. I don't eat meat. But I also don't shout about it and make out how amazing I am.

I didn't say Dave was a bit fussy. Dave may have known that plain chicken was a safe option that wouldn't cause him pain.

I can't eat nuts, seeds, legumes, wholefoods or refined carbs.

The vegan fare my works supply at big meetings is falafels, samosas, wraps, sandwiches - all with undefined vegan fillings of god knows what so I just can't risk eating it.

I just take a banana, yoghurt and an avocado, drink lors of tea and avoid the buffet.

Yeah perhaps Dave is autistic and has sensory issues.

Hmm..

It might just be best if everyone brings their own food

It's sandwiches for most events. They have undescribed contents, usually meat substitutes or curried lumps of white stuff (assume it's soya/tofu??) most of it is spicy. They will also do cold falafel balls on their own.

We've had high profile visitors run over the road to pret and come back, it's embarrassing.

Cucumber sandwiches

Couldn't care less. A sandwich at a working lunch is a sandwich at a working lunch whether it's beef and horseradish or coronation chickpea. Saves me bringing in my own that day, win-win.

Yes take your own meat and guzzle down in the daces of the organusers and vegan nerds.

Yes, if they can't even be inclusive within what the caterer is able to provide, but instead place extra restrictions, then it should just be bring your own.

I don't inflict my carnivorous needs upon anyone else so I don't expect anyone to inflict their vegan needs on me.

The point that it won't cause me any hardship to have a vegan meal for once is not a point at all. Why should I have to? I'm not asking a vegan to eat a pork pie so I expect the same courtesy in return. Plus the carbon footprint for out of season fruit and veg is huge.