A day celebrating gastronomy as a cultural expression while encouraging sustainable food practices that protect biodiversity and natural resources.
Date18 June
TopicCulture & Heritage
Established2016
Ways to observe this day
Cook a meal using local, seasonal ingredients
Reduce kitchen food waste through better meal planning
Try or share a traditional recipe from your local food heritage
In December 2016, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution designating June 18 as Sustainable Gastronomy Day, with the first official observance held in June 2017. The day recognizes gastronomy as a cultural expression connected to the natural and cultural diversity found around the world.
Sustainable gastronomy links food, agriculture, the environment, and culture, encouraging the use of local and seasonal ingredients, reducing food waste, and supporting smallholder farmers and sustainable production chains. It also highlights how traditional cuisine preserves cultural identity and passes knowledge between generations.
Through this day, the United Nations, alongside UNESCO and FAO, encourages people to rethink everyday food habits and embrace more sustainable choices that support food security and protect biodiversity for future generations.