Turku's newly developed food aid innovation has been selected as one of the winners of the international Bloomberg Mayors Challenge, a competition that highlights innovative solutions by cities around the globe. The digital platform allows those in need of food assistance to see in real-time where food is available and to reserve a time for pickup or a spot for dining, effectively avoiding long waiting lines. In addition to this, food aid recipients can engage with experts to gain guidance on other supportive services available to them, enhancing the overall support offered to vulnerable populations.

The Bloomberg Mayors Challenge launched in the fall of 2024, inviting 630 cities to participate. From these, 50 cities were chosen for the finals, and ultimately, 24 winners emerged, including Turku. All finalist cities earned a cash prize of €50,000 and technical guidance to help develop a prototype of their proposed service model. Turku’s innovation has not only put it on the map in terms of international recognition but has also equipped the city to enhance its food assistance framework significantly.

With the prize money amounting to one million euros for implementation of the idea and an additional €200,000 earmarked for employee wages, Turku is set to expand its food aid service capabilities. This victory underscores the city's commitment to tackling food insecurity and improving the efficiency of food assistance programs, potentially serving as a model for other cities facing similar challenges worldwide.