RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
DISHING UP SUSTAINABILITY WITH LOCALLY SOURCED MEALS
CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA
Make your travel more sustainable by choosing restaurants and venues that prioritize local ingredients. In Calgary, Alberta, the “Grown Right. Here.” program helps visitors support the local economy and reduce emissions related to food transportation.
What's
changing
A 2022 University of Sydney study found that transporting food causes almost 20% of the greenhouse gasses associated with global food supply chains. Cities in close proximity to agricultural areas are reducing emissions in the supply chain by sourcing more food locally for events.
What's already
possible
Calgary is home to the Calgary Stampede and the BMO Centre in Stampede Park. Events at the park attract 4 million visitors per year. Meals for event attendees include products from the “Grown Right. Here.” program that prioritizes sustainable, local, environmentally conscious and culturally appropriate food.
Seizing
the opportunity
The BMO Centre provides menus to event planners that feature a variety of locally sourced ingredients such as pastas, fresh greens, herbs, wine, spirits and beef. The facility sources products and ingredients from 50 nearby farmers, ranchers and producers.
Standout
tactic
The Calgary Stampede donates thousands of pounds of food to communities in need through partnerships with Second Harvest and La Tablée des Chefs. The donations come in throughout the year, not only during July’s Calgary Stampede event.
How
it helps
The BMO Centre has provided 120,000 meals through its donation program. By using local ingredients for catering, the facility supports local agriculture and offers visitors an authentic taste of Alberta and its culture of Western hospitality.
Diving
deeper
While local sourcing reduces transportation emissions, what environmental aspects of local agricultural practices, such as land use, water consumption and pesticide application, should also be considered?
Increasing
impact
Partnerships with other event venues and organizations in and beyond Calgary focused on adopting similar local sourcing and donation practices could amplify the program's impact and set a standard for the industry.
Traveling
better
Travel is inherently carbon intensive. Whether you are taking a mini-break or an annual vacation, consider ways to minimize your impact by staying longer in one place, reconsidering how you travel to the destination, and supporting businesses that are working to make their community and the world a better place.
