The forthcoming 2024 Paris Olympics will be foregoing the inclusion of French fries in favour of a more environmentally friendly vegetarian cuisine. Organisers have disclosed that half of the 50 daily dishes available to athletes will be entirely vegetarian, with a significant emphasis on French gastronomy.
Tony Estanguet, the Chief Organiser of Paris 2024, has stated that the decision to showcase French cuisine in the food selection is a deliberate effort to exhibit the culinary excellence of the country to athletes from across the globe. Despite the absence of French fries for technical reasons, the prioritisation of vegetarian options aligns with the commitment to decrease the carbon footprint of each meal.
Estelle Lamotte, the Deputy Director of Village Catering at Sodexo, has expounded that the absence of deep-fat fryers in the temporary kitchens at the site has resulted in the elimination of French fries. However, the organisers express confidence that athletes will be content with the exquisite lentil dal recipe that has been specially prepared for them.
In keeping with the sustainable and environmentally friendly approach, the Paris Olympics will also provide vegetarian meals at sports venues, with 60% of the food offered to fans being vegetarian. Furthermore, the temporary stadium hosting skateboarding, BMX, and breakdancing in central Paris will be completely devoid of meat.
Grégoire Béchu, the Head of Sustainable Food at the Paris Organising Committee, has accentuated the significance of reducing carbon emissions and striking the right balance between offering the appropriate temperature and minimising environmental impact. This dedication to sustainability and environmental impact stands as one of the primary challenges of the Paris 2024 edition.
In a departure from tradition, the 2,800 flats at the Olympic Village will not be outfitted with air conditioning as standard. Notwithstanding, many Olympic teams have elected to install portable coolers at their own expense to ensure the comfort of their athletes.
The Paris Olympics, scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11, will be succeeded by the Paralympics from August 28 to September 8. With a strong emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly practices, the event is poised to establish a new standard for future Olympic Games.