The Helsinki City Council has approved a proposal to halve the procurement of meat and dairy products in city food services by 2030, substituting them with plant-based foods.
In a significant move, the Helsinki City Council has endorsed a proposal aimed at reducing meat and dairy purchases in municipal food services by 50% by the year 2030. This decision, initiated by city councilor Mai Kivelä, seeks to align with new nutritional guidelines that recommend minimizing processed meats, which have been identified as potentially cancer-causing. The city plans to gradually replace these animal products with plant-based alternatives to ensure that the meals remain appealing while also promoting healthier eating habits.
As part of this initiative, the introduction of hybrid foods—where meat is gradually replaced with plant proteins—will be implemented in a phased manner. This approach not only aims to meet the nutritional recommendations but also addresses environmental concerns associated with meat consumption. Councilor Kivelä emphasized the importance of using public funds wisely, arguing that it is counterproductive for the city to contribute to ecological crises while simultaneously trying to mitigate their effects.
The proposal has garnered support within the council, reflecting a growing commitment to sustainability and public health. As cities worldwide grapple with the implications of food production on climate change and health, Helsinki's decision could set a precedent for other municipalities considering similar shifts towards plant-based diets in public food services.
