Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes at an event like the 2012 London Olympics? How about just feeding the athletes, staff, and visitors?
The 2012 London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) likened staging the Olympics to putting on 46 World Championships simultaneously.
The world-wide stage of the Olympics offers a unique opportunity to not only provide healthy, good tasting food to millions, it is a once-in-2-years chance to educate a huge audience on the importance food sustainability plays in keeping people and the planet healthy.
Free Water
When I read that free water would be available inside Olympic venues, I had two thoughts. One, “I remember when free drinking water was a given in public places”, and two, “that’s good, people won’t have to buy bottled water”. According to organizers, the 2012 London Olympics is the first Games in recent times to offer free drinking water.
Now days, large public venues often have restrictions on liquids that can be brought in and the 2012 London Olympics is no different. Liquids are restricted to 100 ml (3.3 U.S. fluid ounces) each and a maximum of 10 containers. Empty water bottles and reusable bottles are allowed. Seems like a good opportunity to buy a useful souvenir like a USA Olympic reusable water bottle.
Food Vision
According to the LOCOG Food Vision Plan published in December 2009, “it is anticipated that more than 14 million meals will be served in 40 different locations over the course of the Games.” The numbers are staggering.
People
There are literally millions of people to feed from athletes needing “3 square meals a day” to visitors just wanting a quick snack.
- 31 competition venues
- 955 competition sessions
- 160,000 work force
- 23,900 athletes and team officials
- 20,600 broadcasters and press
- 4,800 Olympic and Paralympic family
- 9 million ticket sales
Food
Here are some estimates for just the Olympic Village.
- 31 tonnes of poultry items
- More than 100 tonnes of meat
- 75,000 litres of milk
- 19 tonnes of eggs
- 21 tonnes of cheese
- More than 330 tonnes of fruit and vegetables
Tonne = 1,000 kilograms (2,204.6 pounds), known as a metric ton in the U.S.
The Plan
Feeding millions of people is a massive undertaking. Food and drink safety is critical. Athletes and visitors alike want and need food and drink choice and balance. Food sourcing and supply chain must assure food is where it’s supposed to be when it’s supposed to be there. Environmental management is a key to meeting ever increasing sustainability standards for Olympic Games. Employing local people and teaching skills is not only important for pulling off the plan but leaving a legacy after the Games are over.
A few aspects of the Food Vision Plan I found of interest include:
Red Tractor
Olympic food caterers and vendors will be supplied with fresh, local, and seasonal food by Red Tractor farmers.
Red Tractor is a food assurance program in the United Kingdom for produce, crops (like grain), meat, and poultry. Their goals are food safety, animal welfare, environmentally responsible farming methods, local sourcing, traceability, and rigorous standards.
Marine Stewardship Council
Seafood served at the Olympics must meet Marine Stewardship Council (or similar) standards. That includes McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish sandwiches.
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is a global organization that developed standards for sustainable fishing and seafood traceability. MSC provides certification for seafood that meets their standards.
Fairtrade
Bananas, tea, coffee, and sugar at the Olympics will be Fairtrade.
The purpose of the Fairtrade organization is to provide greater equity in international trade especially for the people actually growing the food. Better conditions for people help encourage sustainable development which is good for people and the planet.
Resources:
- 2012 London Olympics Food Vision
- Red Tractor
- Fairtrade Foundation
- Marine Stewardship Council
- 2012 London Olympics Restrictions on Liquids, Aerosols and Gels