Over half of Canadians see farmers as key players in achieving sustainable food systems. The second Sustainable Food Barometer, based on a survey conducted by Leger in August 2024, highlights how Canadians are embracing sustainable diets but face challenges, particularly around affordability.
While many associate sustainable food with reducing environmental harm and supporting local producers, two-thirds mistakenly believe sustainable options are too expensive.
The study, involving over 1,500 Canadians, aligns with Sodexo’s global findings from over 7,200 respondents in countries including Brazil, India, France, the UK, and the US.
Both surveys explore eating habits, sustainability perceptions, and actions required to encourage a widespread transition to sustainable eating.
“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.”
Practical Steps for Sustainable Eating
- Plant-based foods: Incorporate grains, legumes, and nuts as cost-effective, eco-friendly options.
- Shop local and seasonal: Locally grown, in-season foods are fresher, tastier, and reduce waste.
- Limit red meat portions: Smaller portions paired with alternatives like beans can lower costs and improve health.
- Try frozen or canned produce: These options retain nutrition and help reduce spoilage.
- Enhance with spices: Affordable seasonings add flavour and variety to sustainable meals.
Key Survey Findings
- Sustainable Practices: While 69% of Canadians actively reduce food waste, actions like better food storage, composting, and buying local remain underutilized.
- Cost Concerns: Price is the primary factor influencing grocery choices, surpassing taste and nutrition.
- Barriers: Many Canadians remain hesitant to alter eating habits, with a fifth unwilling to reduce non-red meat consumption.
“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.”