City of Tampere has signed an international commitment to develop a socially, ecologically and economically sustainable food system
Tampere has signed an international commitment the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact which is launched by the City of Milan in 2015 and now signed by more than 270 cities around the world. The commitment encourages cities to promote a socially, ecologically and economically sustainable food system and provides a network of cooperation. In Finland, apart from Tampere, Vantaa is the only one who has so far signed the pact.
The City of Tampere is already actively promoting food issues, such as the development of school and nursery school meals, food education and the reduction of food waste. Children’s summer-time park meals are an important contribution by the city to a socially sustainable food system. The city also provides financial support for food bank activities. In addition, the city rents plots of land at low cost to residents and associations. Tampere has a market hall and two living markets.
By signing the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact, the city has acknowledged its role in promoting a sustainable food system and commits to further develop, among other things, the above themes and to seek new possible openings.
“Socially sustainable nutrition and the promotion of healthy lifestyles for children and young people are important to us, and investments in food education and cooperation with sports clubs, for example, are essential. It is great that Tampere is involved in important international commitments,” underlines Mayor Kalervo Kummola.
“Signing this commitment has been the biggest goal for us during the FUSILLI project. It is rewarding to see that the City of Tampere is committed to developing a sustainable food system”, adds FUSILLI project’s project manager Silva Vuopponen.
The city also encourages stakeholders to find their own role in promoting a sustainable food system and to play an active role in this.