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Are restaurants able to sustainably source local ingredients year-round or are they limited by seasonality?

Jennette Landman

Well, it depends on the restaurant and their commitment to sustainable sourcing. Some restaurants are able to source local ingredients year-round, while others may be limited by seasonality.

There are definitely challenges to sourcing locally and sustainably. For one, seasonal availability can certainly affect what's on the menu. But there are also other factors such as weather-related issues (like droughts or floods) or labor shortages that can affect the supply chain.

That being said, there are plenty of restaurants out there that are committed to sustainability. In fact, according to a recent survey, over 80% of consumers say that environmentally-friendly practices are important when it comes to deciding where to eat.

There are also organizations and certifications that can help restaurants with their sustainability efforts. For example, the James Beard Foundation has a Smart Catch program that promotes sustainable seafood practices in restaurants. And the Green Restaurant Association certifies restaurants that meet certain sustainability criteria.

Ultimately, it's up to each restaurant to decide how committed they are to sourcing locally and sustainably year-round. Some may prioritize it above all else, while others may only be able to source locally during certain parts of the year. But as consumers, it's important for us to support those restaurants that are making an effort to be environmentally-friendly.

And who knows? Maybe if more and more restaurants start prioritizing sustainability, we'll see a shift in the supply chain that makes it easier for everyone to source local and sustainable ingredients year-round.