Council mandates vegan catering for City-provided food

The Sammamish City Council has approved a new policy mandating vegan catering for all city-provided food at public meetings, marking a pivotal move towards sustainability and inclusivity. The resolution passed narrowly with a 4-3 vote after extensive debate, with proponents advocating for the environmental benefits of plant-based diets. Councilmember Sid Gupta, who spearheaded the initiative, emphasized the stark contrast between the low carbon footprint of vegan foods and the high greenhouse gas emissions associated with meat production. Opposing council members expressed skepticism about the policy's actual impact, considering the limited scope of city catering. Under the new guidelines, vegan options must be prominently featured on menus or buffet lines, while meat can still be provided albeit with a requirement for twice as many plant-based options.

City Manager Scott MacColl pointed out the complexities of catering to diverse dietary needs and the potential challenges in sourcing suitable vegan foods. The policy is designed to set a symbolic example for residents as the city progresses with its Climate Action Plan. However, it applies exclusively to food served directly by the city, leaving independent vendors at events free from these requirements.