Food Made with Purpose,
Served with Pride
SEATTLE'S SUSTAINABLE CATERER
For nearly three decades, On Safari Foods has been Seattle's most trusted sustainable catering company — crafting globally inspired menus with locally sourced ingredients, humane protein, and an unwavering commitment to the earth and our community.
28+
Years in Seattle
100%
100%
Humanely Raised Protein
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0
Food Waste Tolerance
Our Story
Born in South Africa.
Built in Seattle.
Almost 30 years ago, South African-born Teresa Carew launched a small sausage company she named On Safari Foods — a nod to the vibrant food culture of her homeland. What started as a humble venture has grown into one of the Seattle area's largest and most respected catering operations.
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Today, On Safari Foods serves a diverse clientele spanning individuals, religious organizations, corporate clients, and couples celebrating the most important days of their lives. Through it all, the spirit of Teresa's founding vision — delicious food made with integrity — has never wavered.
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We are one of the few Seattle catering companies specializing in sustainable catering: food that is delicious, nutritious, handcrafted, and sourced responsibly. Every order reflects our belief that doing right by people and the planet doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or quality.
"Sustainable food is the production of food using techniques that protect the environment, public health, human communities, and animal welfare — generating abundance while ensuring future generations can do the same."
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— Anna Lappé, Author & Sustainable Food Advocate
Our Commitment
What Sustainable Catering Really Means
Sustainable catering isn't a buzzword for us — it's a framework we live by every day. It means sourcing seasonal, local produce whenever possible, using 100% humanely raised protein, and actively reducing all forms of waste. Here's what that looks like in practice:
Local Sourcing
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Whenever possible, we purchase only local, in-season ingredients. Locally grown food creates economic opportunities for regional farmers, delivers superior freshness and flavor to your plate, and dramatically reduces the environmental impact of transportation. A typical carrot travels 1,838 miles to reach a dinner table — ours travel far less.
Humane Protein
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We are the only large-scale Seattle caterer with a sustainable, humanely raised protein program. We believe every food-producing animal deserves to be raised with care and dignity. This isn't just an ethical commitment — it results in higher quality, healthier, and genuinely tastier food at your event.
Zero-Waste Practices
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We strive never to waste food. Surplus is donated to missions in the Seattle area. We compost food scraps, recycle cooking oil, and offer fully compostable cutlery, napkins, plates, and containers. We even provide reusable platters to reduce packaging. Up to 40% of U.S. food is never eaten — we're part of the solution.
Recognized Leadership
On Safari Foods is proud to be recognized as a partner in Greener Fields Together for our efforts to reduce waste and carbon footprint and our commitment to sustainably grown products. We are their only hospitality partner in Seattle — a distinction we wear with pride
Why it matters — sustainable food facts
81%
of Americans want more food options that protect the environment. Choosing On Safari Foods means your event reflects those values.
1,838
miles the average carrot travels to reach your dinner table. Our local sourcing keeps food fresh, flavorful, and your carbon footprint low.
95%+
of U.S. farm animals are raised in factory farms. We work exclusively with producers committed to humane, responsible animal husbandry.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE FOOD
Our People Are Our Power
Our team's diverse ethnic backgrounds, culinary training, and global gastronomical experience inspire the rich, globally diverse menus On Safari Foods is known for. We train all our servers in-house and never outsource or use temp services — our front-of-house staff brings expertise and professionalism to every single event.
Teresa Carew
Founder & CEO
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South African-born Teresa started On Safari Foods nearly three decades ago with a small sausage company and a big vision. Today she leads one of Seattle's largest catering operations while staying true to the handcrafted, values-driven food philosophy she built the company on. Outside of the kitchen, Teresa enjoys cooking for friends, yoga, gardening, and time in nature.
Elizabeth Zipper
Operations & Catering Manager
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With a background in journalism and 20+ years in the hospitality industry, Elizabeth brings deep expertise in catering sales, customer service, and event management to On Safari Foods. From intimate weddings to large corporate events, she ensures every client's vision is realized with creativity and care — and she has a particular talent for specialty and brunch menus.
TRANSPARENCY IN SOURCING
Our Producer Partners
We believe you deserve to know exactly where your food comes from. Below is our current list of trusted producers — we encourage you to explore them and hold us accountable.
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Beef
Painted Hills Natural BeefSt. Helens BeefColumbia River Reserve
Chicken
Draper Valley FarmsBare Chicken
Pork
Carlton FarmsHill's Premium Meats
Fish & Seafood
Peter Pan Seafoods — Wild Bristol Bay SalmonAll fish (except trout) are wild caught, never farmed.
Flour
Shepherd's Grain — Direct Seed, No-Till
Produce
Charlie's Produce — Seattle's largest local & organic program