Healthy on your plate, good for the planet, and fair for the farmer: 12 large Amsterdam organizations, including the municipality, are making it happen. They sign the covenant Together we make Amsterdam healthy, sustainable, and fair.
Every day, these organizations serve about 35,000 meals, from breakfast to dinner. In hospitals, nursing homes, university canteens, municipal offices, and libraries. This influences, to some extent, what Amsterdammers eat. And that influence goes beyond the plate.
“We want a food supply that is better for our health, less burdensome for the environment, and fair for both farmers and consumers,” explains alderman Zita Pels (Sustainability). “By working together and agreeing on clear guidelines with buyers, suppliers, and producers, we are taking a big step in the right direction.”
Goals for 2030
Together, the signatories want to ensure an environment where healthy and sustainable food is the most logical choice. The signatories want that by 2030:
- At least 60 percent of the proteins are plant-based, coming from, for example, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts.
- At least 80 percent of the supply fits within the Schijf van 5 of the Nutrition Center.
- At least 25 percent of the purchased food is organic.
- Food waste is halved compared to 2015.
Who is participating?
The 12 organizations signing the covenant are:
- Amsta
- Amstelring
- Amsterdam UMC
- Arkin
- BovenIJ hospital
- Cordaan
- Municipality of Amsterdam
- Green Business Club Zuidas
- GVB
- Public Library Amsterdam (OBA)
- University of Amsterdam & Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
- Free University Amsterdam
Change begins with collaboration
You cannot change the food chain alone. The 12 large Amsterdam employers and network organizations are well aware of this. The system is complex and requires more than just a good intention. That is why they join forces.
By clarifying what they purchase and how they do it, they provide direction to suppliers, producers, and other partners. They also invite other organizations to think along, participate, and collaborate on fair, healthy, and sustainable food for the city.
Initiative and support
The municipality of Amsterdam took the initiative. The covenant was established with support from the European project FoodCLIC, in collaboration with the Athena Institute (Free University Amsterdam) and the network Food Connects.
Want to know more
You can find the full agreements and goals in the covenant. This is how we work together towards a city where healthy, sustainable, and fair food is the norm.