Catering services contribute substantially to food waste, which is socially irresponsible and environmentally damaging. Embracing sustainable catering practices is crucial in mitigating these impacts and fostering a healthier planet for future generations. Opting for local catering services is another powerful strategy to enhance sustainability in the catering industry. In regions like Oakland, this means accessing locally-grown produce and region-specific culinary delights, from fresh seafood to diverse cultural flavors.

Working with local experts like Metal & Match, who prioritize farm-to-function philosophies, guarantees a vibrant, memorable dining experience that supports sustainable farming and economic practices. Here’s what you need to know about the importance of sustainability and local sourcing in catering.

Why sustainable catering matters

Event catering is a big part of the food business industrial complex; catering can pull an event together, allowing guests to bond over the shared experience of a good meal. That being said, it can also be a massively wasteful industry. In the richest countries globally, more than 200 million tons of food are wasted annually, and the vast majority of that waste comes from industrial processes and businesses, including catering. Food waste to this degree isn’t just irresponsible in terms of the amount of food that could go toward ending societal hunger issues; it’s also bad for the planet. It means more non-biodegradable waste is being generated and discarded in an attempt to keep food fresher, longer.

By focusing on sustainable practices - using less non-biodegradable packaging, using up as much food as possible even when it’s no longer “attractive” (but is still safe), etc. - catering companies can cut down on food waste and help to improve the health of the planet for future generations.

Why choose a local caterer?

It’s almost always the most sustainable option to work with local businesses to get the things you need, and this is especially true in the catering industry.

To begin with, sourcing your catering locally means that the food you’re eating is fresher and more recently harvested or produced than it would be if you ordered from outside facilities. You don’t have to worry about long shipping times, appropriately sanitary shipping methods, or the waste that is produced by ensuring that those sanitary methods are used. In some cases, you may be able to pick up your food directly from the source - picking up crates of produce from the fields it was grown in, for example.

You’ll also be able to support the economy of your area. Rather than putting more money in the pockets of multi-billion dollar corporations that ship food all over the world, you can give that monetary support to a real person and see its immediate impact. You might enable a small business to buy necessary equipment or pay its workers a fair wage, which in turn means those workers have the money they need to support their own families, and so on.

Finally, local catering means that you’ll be able to offer your guests a taste of the region you’re hosting your event in. In Oakland, this means locally-grown produce and region-specific wines, beers, ciders, and spirits. It also means fresh seafood and flavors pulled from cultures all over the world that have settled through the port to create the melting pot of the Bay Area. These influences, served by locals with experience, can make your event all the more memorable and exciting.

Sustainable and local gourmet catering options in Oakland

When considering the best sustainable and local gourmet catering options in Oakland, Metal & Match is an outstanding choice. Its unwavering commitment to the farm-to-function philosophy makes itself known in the company’s robust relationships with local agricultural communities. They work hard to ensure that each dish features the freshest and highest-quality ingredients the region has to offer.

This dedication to sourcing locally not only guarantees flavorful and vibrant culinary creations but also supports the local economy and promotes sustainable farming practices. Their menu, rich with culturally inspired offerings, showcases a variety of flavors and ingredients that reflect the diverse agricultural bounty of the area.

Metal & Match has a team of experts who bring fine dining and bartending expertise to every Oakland and wider Bay Area event. Their five unique catering packages provide flexibility and customization to meet the specific needs of any event, making them a versatile and reliable option.

By choosing Metal & Match, clients can create memorable events that are not only delicious but also ethically and sustainably sourced, enhancing both the dining experience and the community. If you’re interested in working with Metal & Match for your next Oakland event, you can contact them via their website for a consultation.

Sustainable and Local Gourmet Catering Options in Oakland

Why sustainable catering matters

Why choose a local caterer?

Sustainable and local gourmet catering options in Oakland