Helsinki's city council has decided to halve the procurement of meat and dairy products in city food services, specifically affecting schools and daycares, by 2030.
Helsinki's city council has made a significant environmental decision to halve the procurement of meat and dairy products in the city's food services by the year 2030. This directive comes following a proposal by council member Mai Kivelä, which was passed with a majority vote of 57 to 23 in a recent council meeting. The decision is part of a broader shift toward plant-based alternatives, and it has garnered cross-party support, indicating a unified stance on addressing climate and health impacts associated with animal products.
The reduction will be measured against the levels from 2025 and aims to replace a substantial portion of meat and dairy with plant-based options. The motivations behind this initiative include aligning with new nutritional recommendations, promoting sustainable food culture, and positively impacting animal welfare. Proponents argue that decreasing the reliance on animal-derived products will not only enhance public health but also lead to significant savings for the city in food procurement costs.
The implementation of this new policy will see the introduction of hybrid dishes in city food services, where part of the animal protein is swapped for plant-based ingredients. There is a commitment to ensuring that these new hybrid meals meet the nutritional needs of different target groups, emphasizing the city's dedication to both sustainability and health. Overall, this initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to modern dietary practices in public institutions, reflecting growing awareness of environmental and ethical issues in food consumption.
