Food & Drink
What's a party without food and drink? Not much fun for most of us. But what we choose to down during
parties does make a difference. (If you're not sure why what we're eating make a difference, pick up a copy of Michael Pollan's, In Defense of Food.)
The bottom line for party food is that it should be fun, festive and of course delicious, without ignoring our good for people, good for the Earth and good for the community, mantra.
1. Serve real food.
- Yes, it's easier to slit open a bag of chips than to slice and bake potatoes. But we have allowed convenience to rule our lives to the detriment of our health as well as the planet's. There are so many healthy, simple recipes that can bring us back to real enjoyment and appreciation for what we eat. Isn't it worth spending a bit of time?
- Real foods can be prepared in creative ways. With a little imagination, or a an instruction book and a bit of time, you can make food festive and fun and healthy.
2. 
When possible, choose in-season, local and organic.
- Many of us have no idea what a real tomato, fresh off the vine, tastes like. Wouldn't it be wonderful to surprise your guests with the mouth-watering flavor of real food from local soil? If you're not yet sold on organic real food (i.e. fruits and vegetables), try some from your local farmer's market and see the difference in taste alone.
- Purchasing locally keeps your dollars working for your local community and supports small farmers who work hard to provide healthy food while using methods that are least harmful to the Earth.
- Food that travels thousands of miles to your home has been developed for traveling, not eating.
- Local organic wines and beer are becoming more common. Try them out.
3. Avoid overbuying and be sure to compost leftovers
- Buy in bulk if possible. This saves on wasteful packaging.
- Save money by planning ahead. When we buy at the last minute, we tend to spend more money.
- If you purchase packaged goods, don't open a package unless it's necessary. This way it can be returned to the store if it's not used.
- Be sure guests realize they can recycle by providing well-marked containers.
- It can be difficult to give away leftovers to a food bank unless they are in factory-sealed containers. So encourage guests to take home leftovers for their families in re-purposed glass jars. Provide a label and pen to identify the contents.