ICYMI: City of Montreal bans single-use plastics, Rocky Mountaineer announces first-ever US route and more

Five food stories you may have missed this week

It has been quite a week for food news around Canada.

From the City of Montreal announcing a ban on single-use plastics to reach their goal of zero waste by 2030 and University of Saskatchewan's new innovative approach to crop research to Canada's luxury train line announcing their first route to the United States, here's some food stories you may have missed this week.

Montreal announces single-use plastics will be banned in restaurants

With a goal of reaching zero-waste by 2030, Mayor Valerie Plante announces that the City of Montreal is planning to eliminate single-use plastics in retail locations and restaurants. This includes any plates, utensils, trays, etc...that are made of polystyrene. There will be some exceptions to the bylaws including polystyrene trays used for packing meat and fish or non-profit organizations using trays for food.

The changes come into effect today.

Read more on CBC News.

Rocky Mountaineer announces its first US Route

Western Canada’s famed luxury train line has just launched its first US route. On August 15, the route covering two days and one night is now operating between Denver, Colorado and Moab, Utah. Working to build an experience for travelers along the way to their destination, Rocky Mountaineer is creating package add-on tours for hotels and activities displaying some of the most scenic spots from the Rocky Mountains to the Red Rocks.

Read More on CTV News.

University Saskatchewan uses laser diagnostics to better understand crop sustainability

The Global Institute for Food Security at The University of Saskatchewan has been researching the use of portable laser synchrotron technology to give live imaging of living plants. Prior to this, there has been no way to analyze how nutrients are dispersed in plants without uprooting individual plants.

The live imaging would prevent having to destroy plants for further research. This new research process will work to continue to improve crop sustainability in the world's ever-changing climate.

Read more on Global News.

City of Edmonton looks to improve food security and reduce waste

In a report released this week called, “Food Waste and Insecurity: A Youth Perspective,” the City of Edmonton outlines recommendations for reducing food waste and the impact food insecurity has had on many communities. Though it may be a long journey to finding solutions and efficiency in food systems, the youth council hopes that the city will work to find long term solutions and strategies to improve the current food security situation.

Read more on CBC News.

Fear of continued labour shortage in the restaurant industry

With the restaurant industry taking a major hit with labour shortages throughout Canada, restaurants still fear the continuation of the shortage for the foreseeable future.

The latest Restaurant Outlook Survey from Restaurants Canada shows the 80 per cent of respondents are having a difficult time filling roles for kitchen staff and 67 per cent for front-of-house positions. Working to find a solution to fill the roles, restaurant owners are looking to provide options such as benefits, free meals and flexible work schedules.

Read more on Restobiz.