The culinary team at Sandman Gourmet Catering in Columbus, OH invites you to think green when planning your next catered affair.

Using environmentally-friendly practices and foods is not as new as you might think. Most of our parents and grandparents can still remember a time when farmers markets and backyard vegetable gardens were not just trendy new buzz words, but the foundation of healthy family menus.

As a full service caterer in Columbus, Ohio, Sandman Gourmet Catering continues the time-honored tradition of providing nutritious and palette-pleasing menus with sustainable practices that make a positive impact on the environment. Our award-winning staff works closely with a variety of growers to provide you with the option of choosing organic foods and locally-grown products.

What does incorporating green into your catering menu mean for you? It’s a chance to execute some creative catering and enjoy the true flavor of seasonal foods grown in your area. If you are exploring the benefits of catering green, I highly recommend customizing menus based on the seasons and location of the foods. In different parts of the world, and even in different regions of the country, seasonal menus vary. Still, there are overriding principles you can follow to ensure optimal nourishment in every season. Locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables taste delicious, are usually less expensive and your food dollar goes directly to the grower. Buying seasonal foods also allows fun opportunities to try some new foods and learn new seasonal recipes. Mesclun Greens with Apples, Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese is a signature Sandman dish using local, seasonal ingredients and works perfect for a summertime soiree. Even catering in Columbus, OH provides ample opportunities for using seasonal, locally-grown food.

Hosting an eco-friendly affair involves time well spent considering food choices and services that make for a green-worthy event. Using organic ingredients is also a choice that can add fresh and tasty foods to the menu. The following ideas will help ensure your next catered conference, meeting or special event is not only superb, but also sustainable.

Local Foods: Non-locally grown food travels an estimated 27 times further than its homegrown counterpart, meaning it contributes significantly more to carbon emissions during transport than produce and meat grown nearby. Most produce in the U.S. is picked 4 to 7 days before being placed on supermarket shelves, and is shipped for an average of 1500 miles before being sold. Locally grown fruits and vegetables are usually sold within 24 hours of being harvested, therefore produce picked and eaten at the height of ripeness has exceptional flavor and is packed with nutrients.

Organic Choices: Fruits, vegetables and meat produced without chemical pesticides or fertilizers is not only healthier for the planet, but also for your guests because it must meet strict criteria set forth by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Vegetarian or Low-Meat Meals: Vegetarian options are important as they are a lower carbon impact choice. Free-range poultry and local fish or seafood are also good menu items for a sustainable meal. Hearty meals like pasta and vegetarian lasagna are great options because they are more economical than meat dishes and are often a welcome change both for the chef and the attendees.

Reusable Food Service Items: Add a touch of earth-friendly elegance by using real plates, dishes and silverware, instead of disposables.

Compostable and Biodegradable Products: Recycled dishes and flatware also make a great choice. Compostable plates made from sugar fiber waste; compostable cups made from corn and flatware made from corn and potatoes are great options. For something a little sturdier and dressier, consider using bamboo plates. Though these items are for single use, they are made from renewable resources that biodegrade quickly.

What’s Left? Frequently, there is a surplus of leftover foods that can be donated to local shelters if it has been handled and stored properly. This information needs to be discussed with your caterer prior to the event. Guests can also take home centerpieces and flowers (be sure to get the word out before everyone departs) or donated to a worthy cause.

At Sandman Gourmet Catering, Columbus, Ohio, we are dedicated to providing catered affairs which surpass our clients' highest expectations in all areas of taste, style and sustainable practices. We look forward to discussing your upcoming event and the many green possibilities.