For this year’s Earth Day, April 22, Metz Culinary Management is focusing its annual Earthly Eats celebration on lentils, a humble ingredient that’s gaining momentum for its versatility, nutrition, and environmental benefits. Across its corporate, healthcare, and educational dining locations, Metz will feature delicious lentil-based dishes that show how simple choices can support more sustainable food production and consumption.
Why lentils? According to Metz Executive Vice President Maureen Metz, “Lentils are a great example of how something simple can deliver on flavor, nutrition, and sustainability. They’re a rich source of plant-based protein and fiber that support overall wellness. As a crop, they require fewer natural resources and help improve soil health.”
Metz’s focus on lentils also reflects a shift toward plant-forward dining that is shaping menus across the foodservice industry. In response to growing guest interest, Metz chefs have been actively developing dishes that incorporate beans, pulses, and whole grains as center-of-the-plate options. Offerings range from globally inspired dishes to familiar comfort foods.
Metz knows that their guests are increasingly looking for meals that feel good in every sense. “They want great taste, but they also want to know their choices are contributing to something positive,” Ms. Metz said. “The Earthly Eats campaign demonstrates how small, approachable choices can make a meaningful difference. It allows guests to easily explore alternatives by, for example, choosing a lentil-based entrée in place of a traditional meat dish.”
These menu offerings are part of a broader approach that emphasizes not only an increased use of plant-based ingredients but also support for local producers and waste reduction through careful planning and preparation. “Our chefs take pride in creating dishes that are not only appealing, but also thoughtfully sourced and responsibly prepared,” Ms. Metz said.
While Earth Day provides a natural moment to highlight sustainability, Maureen Metz views these efforts as part of an ongoing commitment embedded throughout its operations. “Earth Day helps bring awareness to these efforts, but for us, it’s not a one-day initiative. It’s part of how we operate and how we continue to evolve,” she said.