MRSG wins grant to promote more veg eat-out options in the Ranges

Australians are big meat eaters – eating on average 2kgs of meat each week per capita. Whilst there is a growing understanding that excess meat consumption is bad for our health and for the planet – old habits die hard. Current advice suggests that we aim for at least 3 meat-free days a week for better health and a reduced carbon, ecological and water footprint. But some people still feel that a meal with meat isn’t a meal. People tend to order or cook food that they know, even if it is not the healthiest, most delicious, or most sustainable choice. Cafes, restaurants, and pubs have the power to set food trends and inspire home cooks to cook and eat more veg, but they need support to encourage their customers to try plant-rich and plant-based dishes. Enter the Plant Positive Annual Food Service Awards. Run by Veg Action, a group of the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group, the Awards are scheduled to rock the Ranges in summer 2022, shaking up perceptions of veg-rich, vegetarian and vegan food forever.

The Awards, funded through Macedon Ranges Shire Council Community Grants Scheme, will incentivise takeaway shops, cafes, restaurants, and pubs to improve the texture, flavour, and marketing of plant-based dishes. By encouraging skilled chefs to create delicious plant-rich fare, and promoting tasting and voting, the Awards will expose residents to new ways to cook vegetables and make them the centrepiece of the meal.  Up for grabs will be three key honours – best vegetarian dish, best plant-based dish, and best plant-rich dish. Nominations for dishes will be made by residents or visitors, or the food service business themselves, and online voting will use a 5-star point scale. Award winners will receive chef training in plant-based cooking skills, which is certain to drive even more innovation in the sector.

It is hoped that the competition will demonstrate that vegetable rich, vegetarian, and vegan dishes are not only delicious but desirable, a good eat-out option, and worthy of developing and celebrating. The food service sector in the Ranges can take a leadership role in driving changes in food consumption patterns towards healthier and more planet friendly options.

Want to know more? Get in touch with the Veg Action team at veg@mrsg.org.au with any questions.

Have skills and want to volunteer? We want you. Get in touch veg@mrsg.org.au