Sustainable Catering in NYC: How Pheasant Does It Differently

In New York City, where events move fast and expectations run high, sustainability can often take a back seat to convenience. But at Pheasant NYC, we believe that delicious, beautiful catering and eco-conscious practices don’t have to be mutually exclusive. In fact, they go hand-in-hand.

As a catering company rooted in community, seasonality, and thoughtful sourcing, we’ve made sustainability more than just a buzzword—it’s woven into the way we operate, from our kitchen practices to how we deliver your food. Whether you’re planning a corporate event, a fashion shoot, or a wedding, Pheasant brings curated, low-waste catering that aligns with your values (and still makes for an Instagram-worthy spread).

This guide will walk you through exactly how we bring sustainable catering to life in NYC—and how your next event can be as eco-conscious as it is delicious.

Why Sustainability Matters in Catering

The events industry is notorious for waste—leftover food, single-use packaging, and carbon-heavy supply chains all add up. In NYC alone, over 1 million tons of food waste is generated each year, much of it from events that don’t prioritize mindful consumption.

But here’s the thing: guests notice when brands go the extra mile. In fact, according to a Nielsen study, 73% of Millennials are willing to spend more on sustainable services. Whether you’re a company planning an eco-conscious launch party or a couple who wants their wedding to reflect their values, choosing sustainable catering sends a message—one that says you care about more than just the aesthetics.

And that’s where Pheasant comes in.

How Pheasant Puts Sustainability on the Menu

We’re not here to “greenwash” catering. We’re here to redefine it. At Pheasant, sustainability isn’t a checklist—it’s built into the DNA of how we operate.

1. Locally Sourced Ingredients

We prioritize local farms and purveyors, supporting small businesses while cutting down on carbon emissions from long-haul transportation. Plus, local produce just tastes better. Think seasonal heirloom tomatoes from Hudson Valley in summer or rich, earthy mushrooms from upstate growers in fall.

Bonus: By sourcing close to home, we reduce food miles and keep your event’s carbon footprint lower.

2. Seasonal Menus That Make Sense

Seasonality isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the backbone of good cooking. Our menus shift with the seasons, allowing us to showcase the freshest ingredients at their peak. That means juicy summer fruits in your grazing boards, hearty root vegetables in cozy winter spreads, and everything in between.

Why it matters: Seasonal ingredients require less energy to grow and transport, making them more eco-friendly. Plus, they’re packed with more flavor and nutrients.

3. Mindful Waste Reduction

Food waste is one of the biggest challenges in catering, but we tackle it head-on. Our approach includes:

• Strategic Portioning: We work closely with clients to ensure we’re making the right amount of food—enough to impress, not to waste.

• Creative Use of Ingredients: Kitchen scraps? They become stocks, sauces, or garnishes. Yesterday’s herbs? They’re infused into oils or syrups.

• Donation Partnerships: When possible, we donate leftover food to local charities, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.

4. Eco-Friendly Packaging & Materials

We know that not all events have reusable china and glassware available—especially for corporate lunches or on-set catering. That’s why we’ve sourced the best compostable and recyclable packaging for our to-go options.

• Compostable platters and utensils

• Recyclable delivery containers

• Minimal plastic use, opting for glass or aluminum whenever possible

We also encourage clients to opt for family-style platters instead of individually boxed meals when it fits the vibe—less waste, more connection.

5. Conscious Delivery Practices

Delivery trucks aren’t exactly Mother Nature’s best friend, so we’re mindful about how we move through the city.

• Optimized Delivery Routes: We bundle drop-offs in the same neighborhoods to cut down on unnecessary driving.

• Local Radius Focus: By focusing our catering within Brooklyn and select Manhattan areas, we reduce travel emissions.

• Eco-Conscious Vendors: When needed, we partner with delivery services that share our sustainability values.

Planning a Sustainable Event? Here’s How We Can Help.

Sustainable catering doesn’t mean sacrificing style or flavor—it just means making smarter choices. Whether you’re hosting a high-profile fashion event or a more intimate gathering, here’s how we make it easy to go green:

For Corporate Events:

• Zero-waste meetings with thoughtfully portioned meals and compostable packaging

• Plant-forward menus that reduce the environmental impact without skimping on flavor

• Team-building add-ons: Think grazing boards featuring women-owned purveyors or seasonal wine pairings

For Weddings:

• Family-style feasts that reduce individual packaging

• Farm-to-table inspired dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients

• Options for plant-based mains and eco-conscious dessert spreads

For Industry Events & Shoots:

• On-set catering with dietary-inclusive options for large crews

• Energy-packed snacks that are both nutritious and sustainable

• Compostable packaging and zero-waste snack stations

Pheasant’s Local Partners & Eco-Initiatives

Sustainability thrives in community, so we actively partner with local farms, bakeries, and artisans who share our values. Some of our go-to partners include:

• Upstate Farms: Seasonal veggies and ethically raised meats

• NYC Bakeries: Fresh breads and pastries from women-owned businesses

• Small-Batch Vineyards & Distilleries: Eco-conscious wine and spirit options

We’re also working on growing our charitable initiatives, including food donation programs and pop-ups supporting local causes—because giving back is part of the process.

Let’s Plan a Beautiful, Eco-Friendly Event

At Pheasant, we believe sustainability is more than just an option—it’s the future of food. And in a city that’s always moving forward, we’re proud to be part of the shift toward more mindful events.

So whether you’re planning a rooftop cocktail party, an industry shoot, or your company’s next big retreat, let’s make it delicious and sustainable.

Ready to go green? contact us to get started.