This week we are making a comparison of Farm to Table vs. Sustainable Eating.  We all know I love Farm to Table and it’s not a secret that I also LOVE sustainable eating, so what are the differences?  Are there any?  Let’s find out…

Farm to Table be definition is a movement focused on sourcing food directly from local farms to consumers, often through restaurants, markets, or CSA programs. It features local sourcing, seasonal menus, freshness, community support, and transparency

Whereas sustainable eating is a broader philosophy that aims to reduce the environmental and ethical impact of food choices. Sustainable eating focuses on reducing carbon footprint, water use, and waste, encourages plant-based diets, reducing meat and dairy, there is the reduction of food waste reduction, it’s not limited to local food, including fair trade and ethical sourcing and it supports food systems that are healthy and accessible for all.

Differences

Aspect	Farm to Table	Sustainable Eating
Scope	Local and regional	Global and systemic
Focus	Freshness, locality, community	Environmental, ethical, and health impacts
Dietary Guidance	Not specific	Often plant-forward or plant-based
Supply Chain	Short and transparent	Can include global but ethical sourcing
Primary Goal	Support local farms and fresh food	Reduce environmental and ethical harm

Overall, farm to table is essentially sustainable eating, however sustainable eating is not always farm to table.  And all are looking at freshness and health impacts. So, in the end both are good for you if you can do it.