Rebecca Manzi What will we eat at the Paris Olympics? All impressive numbers (but finally there is also a lot of sustainability)
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The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to August 11, promise to be extraordinary not just for the athletic performances but also for the immense culinary undertaking. With 10,500 athletes from 206 countries, the Olympic Village will be the hub of an impressive food operation managed by Sodexo Live!, the official catering partner.
Each day, 40,000 meals will be served, totaling 2 million meals throughout the event. The culinary offerings include 500 different recipes, divided into four themes: French, Asian, global, and Afro-Caribbean. These menus have been carefully crafted to meet the nutritional needs of the athletes, taking into account their diverse dietary habits and preferences.
Among the impressive numbers are the 3 million bananas that will be consumed, 27 metric tons (30 tons) of coffee used, and over 36,000 pounds of coffee grounds repurposed as fertilizer. Additionally, between 600 and 800 baguettes will be baked daily. Another surprising figure is the condiment bar, which will offer 85 different options.
Reusable plates to replace disposable ones
Sustainability is a key focus, with 80% of the menu sourced from France and 25% of the ingredients obtained within 15.5 miles (25 kilometers) of Paris. All meat, milk, and eggs will be of French origin, and about one-third of the food will be plant-based. For the first time, the main dining hall will use 47,000 reusable plates, eliminating disposable ones.
The main dining hall, open 24/7, has 3,500 seats, making it one of the largest restaurants in the world. Within the village, there will be 15 different dining points spread across 52 acres, including a salad buffet, a cheese station, a bakery, and a fruit and dessert bar.
Additionally, there will be workshops on how to make baguettes, croissants, and other pastries, offering athletes a unique culinary experience. In short, the food figures for the Paris 2024 Olympics reflect not just the scale of the event but also the emphasis on quality, sustainability, and cultural diversity, ensuring that every athlete feels at home and ready to perform at their best.
