Little Kolding has been at the table with fine company in big Rio!
How can we tackle the huge task of creating a more sustainable food system? That’s the question 240 cities around the world – including Kolding – are working on in the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact (MUPFF).
In October 2022 on the 17-18th , global members of the MUFPP met at the Global Forum in Rio de Janeiro, where Kolding was represented by Councillor Jørn Chemnitz and EU Food2030 Project Manager Helle Vilsbøll.
A welcome to the 8th MUFPP Global Forum
WHY IS FOOD AN IMPORTANT ISSUE?
The food system is one of our biggest climate challenges. Many foods have a very high carbon footprint and with an estimated population growth of +2 billion people by 2050, the food system is expected to come under gigantic pressure.
This is an agenda and a task that requires a great deal of international cooperation and strength, which is why we also see this as a very important network where we can get support and sparring to tackle the task in Kolding, says Jørn Chemnitz.
Jørn Chemnitz and Helle Vilsbøll at the MUFPP Global Forum
KOLDING ON THE WORLD MAP
At the forum, Jørn and Helle put Kolding on the map in a panel discussion. They presented how the task is approached in Kolding and data is systematically collected that will create a baseline for food waste and carbon footprint in our canteens. How study of the food culture, behavior of citizens, and mapping of the food system, will form the baseline for future objectives.
In addition, the Kolding representatives also networked and established good relationships with other cities that are leading the way in different areas. For example, they talked to representatives from New York, which has adopted a food policy and now serves plant-based food as standard in hospitals. And this is just the beginning of the roll-out in New York. At the same time, they have made calculations on how the plant-based food has increased health, reduced carbon footprint and food budget.
Key takeaways from Rio
- Strong political will and support are needed to succeed in creating a more sustainable food system
- It is important to involve stakeholders from the food system and citizens in the process
- Public kitchens (and school meals) are game changers in reducing carbon footprint, ensuring healthy food and changing food behaviour
ABOUT MUFPP
The MUFPP is an international collaboration of cities from around the world committed to working together to create more sustainable and resilient food systems capable of providing healthy food that everyone can afford. More than 240 mayors have signed the MUFPP agreement, and back in December 2021, the Municipality of Kolding joined this collaboration, as part of the European Food Project Fusilli – Food2030 in Kolding, which is anchored under the Sustainability Secretariat of the Municipality of Kolding.