Manifesto for Establishing Minimum Mandatory Standards for Public Canteens across the EU

MANIFESTO FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MINIMUM MANDATORY CRITERIA FOR PUBLIC CANTEENS ACROSS THE EU

The Manifesto, which was developed with several NGOs part of the EU Food Policy Coalition, calls for the establishment of two overarching principles:

• GOOD GOVERNANCE - Improved multilevel governance between the regional, national and local level as well as better cooperation across different departments
• MARKET ENGAGEMENT - Explore what the city-food region has to offer through inclusive consultations with different stakeholders

The Manifesto suggests seven key minimum mandatory criteria to transition towards more sustainable public food procurement models:

  HEALTHY FOOD - The food offered in public canteens should fully comply with national dietary guidelines.

  ORGANIC AND OTHER AGRO-ECOLOGICAL PRODUCTS - At least 20% of the food procured should come from certified organic farming or be labelled as agroecological

  SMALL-SCALE FARMERS SUPPORT - At least 10% of the food procured should come from small-scale farmers.

  CLIMATE ACTION - A 25% GHG reduction could be achieved through a more plant-based diet, low-carbon food chain, and food waste reduction.

  DECENT WORKING CONDITIONS - Employees and workers should benefit from 100% compliance with decent working conditions along the food supply chain.

  FAIR TRADE - At least 25% of non-EU food should be certified FairTrade.

  ANIMAL WELFARE - Higher animal welfare standards should be introduced

Translations of the Manifesto in Spanish, French, German, Italian and Slovak are now available!

Sustainable Food Procurement Manifesto