Is fat a 'green' issue?

Is obesity the buzzword for the 21st century? As an industry we are entirely right to focus our attention on the environment and improving our green credentials but we must not forget another looming issue – obesity and the health problems that it can cause.

With obesity set to become more dangerous to the economy than global warming, and the Department of Health investing in a new anti-obesity drive we have to consider our responsibilities as organisers, caterers and venues in this debate. Is it solely our job to encourage healthy eating amongst centre visitors?

As an industry it is incumbent upon us to create exciting, interesting and mouthwatering meals - but some of these will naturally be more healthy than others. I certainly don’t believe we are the wrong doers in this debate or that it is our sole responsibility to make the country fitter and healthier – what we do have, however, is a responsibility to provide adequate choice in order for the consumer to make their own mind up.

Ultimately, delegates are responsible for their own choices when it comes to their diet, but we can and should influence that choice by offering wholesome breakfasts and snacks at tea breaks, balanced lunches and dinners and plenty of fresh fruit. We must also limit the use of prepackaged and processed food, with high salt and preservative levels, and instead concentrate on providing freshly cooked meals made using local, seasonal ingredients.

I am lucky enough to be based at an eco-friendly conference centre located on a 2,500 acre organic farm, where fresh produce is close at hand - all food served at the centre is seasonal and most is grown on the farm and in our garden.  We all live and work in a comparatively small country where such produce should realistically be readily available and never more than a few miles away – and opening people's minds to the benefits of eating healthily and seasonally is an important part of our work in the hospitality industry.

Russell Downing, Conference Centre Manager, Sheepdrove Eco Conference Centre

Meetpie.com  April 08