Many churches unconcerned about food ethics, survey suggests

A survey conducted on behalf of environmental charity Green Christian has suggested that only a minority of churches keep in mind ethical concerns when serving food and drinks.

The survey of greater than 600 churchgoers found that just 12 per cent said their church “all the time” considered ethical issues within the serving of food and drinks, while 35 per cent indicated their church did so “sometimes, depending on cost, convenience and / or who’s planning the meal”.

Nearly 1 / 4 (22 per cent) said that ethical concerns weren’t considered, while 31 per cent said they didn’t know if such concerns were considered.

Among the moral concerns raised by the survey were using Fairtrade, organic or local products and the availability of vegetarian and vegan options.

Unsurprisingly, the survey found that many churches offer refreshments after their Sunday services and at other events like weddings and baptisms. Snacks for more informal events, like Bible studies, may also be provided. The survey suggested that just over two-thirds (67 per cent) of churches are involved in running food banks.

In many churches food preparation is finished on a person basis by church members of their home and hence there is usually no direct church input into what’s served.

The survey was led by Tim Cooper, a trustee of Green Christian and Emeritus Professor of Sustainable Design and Consumption at Nottingham Trent University

Cooper said, “Our survey confirms the essential role of food within the lifetime of churches, whether refreshments after services, celebratory events, or supporting the poor and needy.

“Sadly, it found that too few churches address ethical concerns concerning the food system in these ministries. It is time for each local church to develop and apply an ethical food policy.
 
“There could also be different outcomes when churches and churchgoers discuss food. Some will favour plant-based diets to handle climate change, while others may prefer to deal with organic produce or animal welfare.

“But complexity doesn’t justify disregarding these essential concerns. Nor does cost. Although we recognise real economic constraints, too often cost is used as an excuse to not make more ethical purchases.”

Interestingly, the survey found a major difference within the food culture of various denominations. Church of England churches commonly provide food after events, while Roman Catholic churches rarely do. Meanwhile, Pentecostals are the most definitely to supply churchgoers with snacks and sweets.
  
Despite what he called a “lack of engagement from many churches”, Professor Cooper said there have been “signs of hope”, with 1000’s of local churches registered with the Eco Church initiative, which inspires them to use the LOAF principles promoted by Green Christian – food which is Locally produced, Organically grown, Animal friendly and Fairly traded.