The Paris 2024 Olympic Games have begun with logistical challenges, as the Olympic Village, which hosts 10,500 athletes along with their coaches and technical staff, has been overwhelmed by the large influx of sportspeople. The criticism has centered on the lack of adequate food for the athletes, raising concerns about their nutrition and well-being.

On July 12, the dining hall in the Olympic Village opened its doors, with a capacity for 3,500 people, offering food 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, in recent days, the food demand of the athletes has not been met, which is very serious considering that this buffet must be one of the most demanding in the world since it feeds elite athletes, an aspect crucial for their performance.

The main foods that have been insufficient are eggs and grilled meat, causing the rationing of eggs to a limited number per person. Additionally, delays in replenishing food have also generated complaints.

Due to the organization’s commitment to sustainability, the entry of planes with products was prohibited, mainly affecting Caribbean delegations that requested specific fruits and have not seen their demand met.

Despite having different restaurants to satisfy diverse cultures, several delegations have preferred to bring their own food. For example, Team USA traveled with peanut butter, protein shakes, and energy bars, while the Kenyan delegation decided to bring ugali, a popular carbohydrate in the African country.

Days before this information became known, the British team had already expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of food in the Olympic Village: “In some things, there isn’t enough: eggs, chicken, and certain carbohydrates. It needs a radical improvement,” said the President of the British Olympic Committee, Andy Anson.

In response to the criticism, the organization and the group in charge of food, Sodexo Live, assured that: “Eggs and grilled meat are particularly popular, and therefore, volumes have been increased to meet the needs of the athletes.”

Initially, the organization had set specific goals and requirements with the gastronomy to make the menu sustainable and local. Therefore, foods such as eggs, meat, fish, and dairy are 100% local, which would have affected the food stock in the Paris 2024 Olympic Village.