Helsinki goes plant-based
Helsinki is taking a major step toward reducing both climate impact and animal suffering. The city has decided that by 2030 it will cut its public-sector purchases of meat and dairy products by half – and instead increase the share of plant-based meals.
The decision applies to all public meals served by the city, including those provided at schools, preschools, eldercare facilities, hospitals, and other municipal services. Since Helsinki serves millions of meals annually, this shift represents a systemic change with the potential to improve long-term dietary habits among residents. By reshaping its procurement practices, the city can make a meaningful difference for both animals and the environment.
This shows that political decisions can make an enormous difference for animals when the will is there. When a city reduces its purchases of animal products, it means fewer animals are bred and killed in factory farms.
– Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882
The decision passed with a strong majority in the Helsinki City Council – 57 votes in favour and 23 against – reflecting broad political agreement that the city must act decisively for both the climate and animals. Helsinki’s move is part of a growing international trend in which public institutions use procurement as a tool to accelerate the shift toward plant-based food.
Better conditions for plant-based entrepreneurship
The decision also provides clearer and more long-term conditions for companies developing plant-based products. According to Jukka Kajan, CEO of the industry association Plant Based Food Finland, this will strengthen domestic innovation and boost opportunities to export sustainable solutions. As Helsinki sets an example, questions naturally arise about which municipalities in Sweden might follow suit – and adopt political decisions that would have major impacts for animals.
Many Swedish municipalities want to invest more in plant-based food but are sometimes held back by local politicians. Right now, Stockholm’s food program is being reviewed, and I hope that the politicians – who have initially shown high ambitions – will stay committed all the way through. That could inspire more municipalities to make similar decisions.
– Benny Andersson
Project 1882 welcomes Helsinki’s initiative and sees it as an important example of how municipalities can improve the situation for animals through conscious procurement choices.
Read more about our work to promote plant-based foods:
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