Sustainable Gastronomy Day
June 18
About Sustainable Gastronomy Day
Sustainable Gastronomy Day takes place on Thursday 18 June 2026. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2016, the day recognises gastronomy as a cultural expression linked to the world’s natural and cultural diversity, and reaffirms that all cultures contribute to sustainable development. It is led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and UNESCO.
What is Sustainable Gastronomy Day?
Sustainable Gastronomy Day is an official United Nations observance that promotes a way of cooking, sourcing, and eating food that takes into account where ingredients come from, how they are grown, who grows them, and how they reach the plate. The day is led by FAO and UNESCO in collaboration with other UN agencies, and is supported by chefs, restaurants, food charities, farmers’ organisations, and educators around the world.
When is Sustainable Gastronomy Day?
Sustainable Gastronomy Day 2026 falls on Thursday 18 June 2026. The date is fixed annually as 18 June.
Why Sustainable Gastronomy Day Matters
Food systems sit at the heart of many of the world’s biggest sustainability challenges. According to the FAO, agriculture and the wider food system are responsible for around a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, and an estimated 1.05 billion tonnes of food are wasted each year, even as roughly 733 million people face chronic hunger. At the same time, traditional food cultures, regional ingredients, and indigenous knowledge are being eroded by industrial supply chains. Sustainable gastronomy offers a counter-current: cooking that is good for the climate, fair to producers, and respectful of culture.
How to Get Involved in Sustainable Gastronomy Day
You do not need to be a chef to take part. Try one or several of the following:
- Cook a seasonal meal – Build a menu around vegetables, fruit, and protein that are in season where you live. Seasonal eating reduces emissions from transport and storage and tends to taste better.
- Source from local producers – Visit a farmers’ market, sign up to a vegetable box scheme, or shop at a butcher or fishmonger that sells UK-reared, British-caught, or local produce.
- Reduce food waste – Plan your week’s meals before shopping, store food correctly, and use up leftovers. Apps such as Olio, Too Good To Go, and Karma make it easier to share or rescue surplus food.
- Try a plant-forward day – Replacing some animal products with beans, lentils, or whole grains has one of the largest single carbon impacts you can make at home.
- Visit a sustainable restaurant – Look for restaurants accredited by the Sustainable Restaurant Association, the Soil Association, or local equivalents.
- Cook a heritage dish – Traditional cuisines from around the world tend to be naturally seasonal and resourceful. Use the day to learn a recipe from a grandparent, neighbour, or community.
- Compost your food scraps – Composting at home or via a local council scheme keeps nutrients in the soil and out of landfill.
- Donate to a food project – Charities such as FareShare, FoodCycle, and Action Against Hunger redistribute food and tackle the social side of food sustainability.
History of Sustainable Gastronomy Day
The United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/71/246 on 21 December 2016, designating 18 June as Sustainable Gastronomy Day. The resolution acknowledged gastronomy as a cultural expression linked to the natural and cultural diversity of the world and invited UNESCO and the FAO to facilitate the observance of the day in collaboration with member states and civil society.
The first official Sustainable Gastronomy Day was held on 18 June 2017. Since then, the day has been observed in restaurants, schools, and food festivals across the world, with FAO publishing an annual reflection paper and country offices running events on the ground. UNESCO links the day to its Creative Cities of Gastronomy network, which now includes more than 50 cities recognised for their distinctive food cultures and sustainability practices.
The day complements other major UN food observances including World Food Day on 16 October and the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste on 29 September. It is increasingly used by global chefs, including Massimo Bottura’s Food for Soul project and the Slow Food movement, to highlight initiatives that link great cooking to social and environmental impact.
Noteworthy Facts About Sustainable Gastronomy Day
- Sustainable Gastronomy Day was established by UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/71/246 on 21 December 2016, and first observed in 2017.
- The day is led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and UNESCO in partnership with other UN agencies.
- Around a third of global greenhouse gas emissions come from food and agriculture systems, according to FAO data.
- An estimated 1.05 billion tonnes of food are wasted globally each year, while approximately 733 million people face chronic hunger.
- UNESCO’s Creative Cities of Gastronomy network includes more than 50 cities worldwide recognised for outstanding food culture and sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sustainable Gastronomy Day?
It is an official UN observance held on 18 June each year, recognising sustainable cuisine as a cultural expression and a tool for sustainable development. The day is led by FAO and UNESCO.
When is Sustainable Gastronomy Day in 2026?
Sustainable Gastronomy Day 2026 falls on Thursday 18 June 2026.
What does sustainable gastronomy mean?
Sustainable gastronomy is cuisine that considers the origin of ingredients, how food is grown, and how it reaches the plate. It values seasonality, local sourcing, fair pay for producers, and the protection of food cultures.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing Sustainable Gastronomy Day with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #SustainableGastronomyDay and #SustainableGastronomy on social media. Every meal cooked, sourced, and eaten with care contributes to a more sustainable food system.
Related Awareness Days
- National Shrimp Day – A US food awareness day that prompts conversations about sustainable seafood.
- The Big Lunch – A community food event that brings neighbours together over shared meals.
- National Baklava Day – A celebration of a traditional dish that crosses cultures and generations.
Links
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