Creamy kale Caesar salad and Ghanaian red red stew were offered as new dishes for clients to try at a Toronto shelter this fall. This initiative is in line with the city’s Coolfood Pledge, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from food purchases by 25% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. The United Nations estimates that about one-third of human-caused greenhouse gases are linked to food, with the rest coming mainly from burning fossil fuels. Cities across Canada, including Montreal, Rainbow Lake, Alta., Kingston, Brampton, and Toronto, are committing to providing less carbon-intensive meats and more plant-based foods in various community services and events.
James Nowlan, executive director of Environment, Climate and Forestry for the City of Toronto, stated that food emissions are the largest source of “indirect” emissions in the city. The local government serves approximately 3,200 tonnes of food annually through shelters, child care centers, and senior care homes. By reducing beef consumption and incorporating more plant-based proteins into meals, Toronto is taking steps to lower food emissions while still meeting the nutritional needs of clients. The city has also partnered with organizations like Human Society International’s Food Forward program to provide staff with training on cooking with plant-based proteins.
Anita Krajnc, the global campaign coordinator for the Plant Based Treaty, highlights the importance of cities in supporting initiatives to combat the climate crisis through food systems. The treaty has been endorsed by 39 cities, including some in Canada like Rainbow Lake, Alta., Brampton, and Caledon. These cities are working towards promoting healthier eating habits, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from food, and increasing plant-based meal options in schools, hospitals, and nursing homes. Conny Glenn originalmente intentó que su ciudad respaldara el tratado a base de plantas, la propuesta fue rechazada. El alcalde Brian Paterson le dijo al Kingston Whig-Standard que respaldar el tratado enviaba “el mensaje equivocado a nuestros residentes rurales y nuestra economía rural”.
Rainbow Lake, Alta., se negó a hablar con CBC News sobre este tema, citando, en parte, comentarios negativos de la comunidad después de una entrevista anterior en los medios.
En un artículo de abril pasado, el voluntario del Tratado a Base de Plantas Juan Enrique Hinojosa le dijo al Toronto Star que cuando contactó a municipios canadienses sobre el tratado, recibió algunas respuestas positivas, pero también respuestas hostiles, incluyendo una que lo llamó “nazi verde urbano”.
Kingston, Ont., La concejala Conny Glenn espera ver opciones a base de plantas como hamburguesas de champiñones portobello junto a hamburguesas de carne en eventos de la ciudad como la barbacoa benéfica anual del alcalde.