The Great Big Green Lunch Challenge

Make a positive difference to the environment and take part in #GreatBigGreenLunch on 9-15 June 2025, as part of Great Big Green Week.

This June, Good Food Oxfordshire is inviting workplaces across Oxfordshire to take part in the Great Big Green Lunch: a fresh, fun and impactful spin on the Switch Up Your Lunch challenge during the national sustainability campaign, Great Big Green Week (which will take place 7-15 June 2025). 

Whether you’re a business, institution, office team or community group, the idea is simple: pledge to enjoy at least one sustainable lunch during the week.

That could mean:

• Eating a plant-based meal 
• Using locally-sourced & seasonal ingredients 
• Creating a waste-free lunch (using leftovers or opting for zero waste recipes) 

It’s a chance to make how we eat part of the solution: boosting health, building community, and reducing environmental impact one bite at a time.

Why are we asking you to pledge? 

Currently, the average European lifestyle uses the resources of three planets: far beyond what our Earth can sustain. Here in Oxfordshire, the situation is no different: food accounts for a staggering 43% of our ecological footprint. (Source: Moore, 2019) 

That’s because our diets tend to be high in meat and dairy, both of which carry a heavy environmental cost. 

• Animal agriculture is responsible for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions – more than all forms of transport combined. (FAO, 2013) 
• If everyone in the UK went plant-based just one day a week, we could cut national emissions by 49 million tonnes of CO₂ annually: the equivalent of taking 16 million cars off the road. (WWF, 2021) 

And the impact of just one workplace lunch can be surprisingly powerful. 

According to World Meat-Free Week, if a company of 500 people choose a plant-based option for just one meal, they would save:

• The global warming potential of driving a car 5,059 km 
• The equivalent of 12 years of water use for one person 
• The daily recommended calories of 18 men  

Why else should you take part? 

1. Reduce your workplace’s carbon footprint through conscious food choices 
2. A simple way for your company and employees to take climate action during Great Big Green Week (a national campaign) 
3. Support staff well-being with fresh, healthy meals 
4. Have fun with your team through lunch swaps, potlucks or sharing recipes 
5. Champion Oxfordshire’s local food movement and connect with/support sustainable producers 

How will we support you?  

When you sign up, you’ll receive a free downloadable campaign toolkit with: 

• Meal inspiration & simple plant-based recipes 
• Tips for sourcing local & seasonal ingredients 
• Posters, email templates, and social media assets 
• Links to Oxfordshire’s food producers via the GFO Supplier Directory 

Some ideas for your workplace to take part: 

• Cater or cook a plant-based lunch day 
• Host a zero-waste lunch challenge 
• Organise a team potluck or lunch swap 
• Share recipes, photos and ideas with your team and online using #GreatBigGreenLunch 

When can I take part?  

Any weekday during Great Big Green Week: 9-15 June 2025. We suggest choosing a day that works for your team and celebrating a greener lunch together. Share photos with us by tagging us on social media (@goodfoodoxford).  

Sign Up 

Ready to take on the challenge? Register your workplace and make your pledge here.

Let’s make this the greenest lunch week Oxfordshire has ever seen! 

Questions? Get in touch at mail@gfo.org.uk  

Follow along @goodfoodoxford and tag your meals with #GreatBigGreenLunch