This covenant is an important step in the joint ambition to improve the food system in and around Amsterdam and make structurally healthier and more sustainable choices within their own organisations.
The covenant 'Together we eat Amsterdam healthy' came about in cooperation with various Amsterdam organisations: Amsta, Amstelring, Amsterdam UMC, Arkin, BovenIJ Ziekenhuis, Cordaan, municipality of Amsterdam, Green Business Club Zuidas, GVB, Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam, Facility Services for Universiteit van Amsterdam and Hogeschool van Amsterdam, and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
VU Amsterdam commits (further) to 'planet-friendly food and drink' on campus
Several steps have already been taken towards a more sustainable, healthy and diverse food and drink offer on campus. For instance, since 2023, there was a 70% vegetarian offer; from this year, the offer will be 100% vegetarian by default. Meat, fish, vegan and other (dietary) options are available on request. This applies to both the coffee and lunch corners, restaurants and banqueting offerings.
In the coming years, VU Amsterdam wants to further commit to sustainable, healthy and diverse food and drink on campus. To this end, the Visie eten en drinken VU Amsterdam 2024-2029 has also been drawn up. Two important spearheads are to use more seasonal products and to reduce products with the highest CO2 emissions by buying more locally produced products.
We also apply these guidelines in our contracts and agreements with partners and suppliers. For example, we cooperate with Boeren van Amstel on cheese; this cooperation will be intensified on milk, vegetables and fruit in the coming years.
Vending machine offerings
Planet-friendly food and drink' also applies to the supply in the vending machines. Some spearheads for the coming years are:
- Expansion of the number of coffee vending machines with plant-based milk; currently one vending machine per building.
- No more supply of 'plain water' via vending machines (only sparkling/flavoured water).
- Encourage water drinking through 'water bars'. Water is also available in the pantries and via various water taps (Join the Pipe).
- At least 50% healthy(er) alternatives in vending machines for cold drinks and snacks.
- Supply cold drinks in returnable packaging only.
- Vending machines for sweets and soft drinks are largely filled with 'healthier options'.
Combating waste
Every year, new campaigns are launched to draw attention to and/or combat waste. For instance, through the 'Too Good To Go' platform, leftovers are offered at a discount. The banqueting service was also changed last year: it is no longer possible to order coffee and tea for fewer than 10 people. In the future, we are going to implement more of these initiatives, increasing quality and reducing waste: a win-win.
For banqueting, the use of crockery has been the guiding principle for years to also reduce waste. And no free disposable cups have been offered on campus since 2023.