The Food Service Industry Protein Sustainability Scorecard

Our food system has a significant impact on the environment in various ways. One of the key factors is the greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) produced by the global food system, which accounts for 20% to 37% of all GHGs. Animal products, such as meat and dairy, have a much larger environmental footprint compared to plant-based foods. Animal products require more resources including land, water and feed, and generate more GHGs and water/air pollution.

When we start to look at the big picture, we see just how large an impact even one meal has. Because of this, our country’s appetite for plant-based foods is growing larger by the day; in most high-income countries, shifting to more plant-based foods promotes better health and significantly lowers your environmental impact compared to the average meat-based diet.

A shift toward plant-based foods is the most impactful way food companies can reduce their carbon footprint, prevent deforestation, minimize demand for water and land resources, improve food security and preserve natural habitats. There is an abundance of scientific findings that show replacing animal-sourced meats with plant-sourced foods provides more GHG savings than using lower-carbon animal meats.

Overall, food service companies that prioritize plant-based foods are not only making a positive impact on the environment, but also addressing important health and ethical considerations—all important to consumers. By offering a wider range of plant-based meals and reducing their reliance on animal protein, these companies are demonstrating social responsibility and leading the industry.

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