Ottawa Tourism has launched a pioneering partnership with La Tablée des Chefs to maximise food recovery from the event sector. This initiative, the first of its kind between La Tablée des Chefs and a DMO in Canada, underscores Ottawa Tourism’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.  In particular, the initiative aims to reduce food waste and address food insecurity in the community.

The new program equips venues hosting large events, including international congresses, with tools to facilitate the donation of surplus food to local community organisations. La Tablée des Chefs collaborates closely with donors and community groups to ensure a sustainable, safe, and organised food recovery process, seamlessly integrating into the operations of participating venues.

“This partnership represents a significant step forward in our efforts to build a more resilient and sustainable tourism and event industry,” says Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism. “We are proud to join forces with an organisation as talented and thoughtful as La Tablée des Chefs, with whom we know we can make a meaningful impact on both environmental and social fronts towards the broader well-being of our community.”

Jean-François Archambault, founder and CEO of La Tablée des Chefs, adds: “Ottawa Tourism’s leadership encourages us to be the first destination organisation to directly join our efforts to move the industry in the right direction. Food waste is a real concern, and I am happy to see we can turn this into something so positive for everyone involved.”

Ottawa Tourism’s initiative is designed to build relationships between conference and event venues and local community organisations, providing a direct link for donating surplus food. This collaboration ensures that event hosts can positively impact the destination’s community, knowing their efforts contribute to a greater cause.

Ottawa’s Destination Stewardship Plan emphasises the tourism industr’’s need to elevate sustainability and social responsibility. This program aligns with the Plan’s goals, demonstrating Ottawa Tourism’s dedication to addressing food insecurity by acting as a liaison and facilitator between hospitality partners and La Tablée des Chefs.

More information can be accessed through Ottawa Tourism’s website.