Paris Olympics 2024: Why this is the biggest food event in the history of the Olympics

The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games are set to not only celebrate athletic excellence but also redefine the standards of event catering on an unprecedented scale. With a commitment to serving over 13 million meals during the two 15-day periods, Paris 2024 is embarking on an ambitious initiative to highlight France’s culinary prowess while addressing significant environmental and climatic challenges.
The culinary challenge
Serving 13 million meals, equivalent to catering for 10 football World Cup tournaments, presents a monumental operational challenge this year.Yet, with the Games hosted in France—a nation famed for its gastronomy and extended mealtimes—the expectations for food quality and culinary innovation are exceptionally high. Paris 2024 aims to leverage this unique opportunity to promote responsible and creative food production at a major international event, encapsulated in its "Food Vision."
A sustainable food vision
To achieve these ambitious goals, Paris 2024 has mobilised a diverse food ecosystem, including farmers, chefs, artisans, restaurant owners, caterers, nutritionists, and associations. In total, 120 organisations and 200 athletes have contributed to shaping the food strategy for the Games. This collaborative effort has resulted in a comprehensive roadmap for all partners and service providers, ensuring a unified approach to feeding the Games' public.
Diverse culinary offerings
The athletes will dine in the Village, which will transform into the world's largest restaurant, catering to the nutritional and cultural needs of 15,000 athletes from 208 territories and nations. The menu will be diverse, featuring cuisines from around the world. Volunteers will enjoy meals made from local and seasonal products, fostering camaraderie over wholesome food. Spectators will have the chance to taste regionally inspired sandwiches at venues in Paris, Marseille, and Lyon, all crafted by renowned chefs using local ingredients.
Operational and logistical excellence
The athletes will be able to enjoy these meals from July 10 and will continue until September 12, the food service will cater to every meal and snack need of the athletes. With up to 40 tons of food being prepared daily, the operation is a culinary and logistical challenge of the highest order. Some 40 different dishes—amounting to about 40,000 meals served each day—will be on offer, with nutritionists on hand to support athletes with dietary restrictions and preferences.
The Paris 2024 Games promise not just a spectacle of world-class sports but also a culinary feast, emphasizing sustainability and culinary excellence. By embracing these ambitious food initiatives, Paris 2024 is set to leave a lasting legacy of responsible and innovative food practices, potentially setting new standards for future international events.