Finland's schools are going meat-free
In practice, this means that meat dishes will be served in schools once a week, and in kindergartens – 1-2 times a week according to a schedule. Dairy products in cooking will be replaced by oat milk. Oat milk will be offered to children instead of cow’s milk.
As specifies portal bb.lv, the food system in Helsinki has already undergone significant changes towards a plant-based diet. The menus of educational institutions now offer 50% fewer dishes containing red meat than in 2019.
Not without Greenpeace
The environmental organization Greenpeace called the decision a significant step towards sustainable food.
“Helsinki sets an example for the whole country: the transition to a healthier diet is possible. It’s better for the climate, health, animals and the city budget,” Greenpeace expert Olli Tiainen says.
The new solution is based on both environmental and health goals. In 2021, a study by the University of Helsinki showed that Finnish children eat too much meat. At the same time, there are not enough legumes in their diet.
In the latest national nutrition recommendation, processed meat is recognized as a carcinogen. It is advised to avoid or minimize its consumption. Consumption of hot meals with red meat should be reduced to twice a week.
The transition to a more plant-based diet in the capital is planned to be as smooth as possible, through “hybrid” dishes in which meat is gradually replaced by vegetable protein.
According to Greenpeace, similar initiatives have been launched in 40 municipalities across the country. In Espoo, for example, the city council decided last December to explore the possibility of halving the use of animal products in the city’s food services by 2030.
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