During the European Week of Regions and Cities, ICLEI Europe, together with the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, the European Committe of the Regions, and the Turkish Association of Social Democratic Municipalities, will co-organise the session "Promoting social innovation through public canteens". The event will highlight the power of public procurement and thereby call for a better use of public money to help Europe transition to a healthier, more resilient and equitable food system.

The workshop will advocate for the implementation of healthy and sustainable school meals and food education for every child in Europe. The goal is to achieve more resilient food regions and communities. The sustainable food systems law and the revision of the EU school scheme this year are decisive opportunities. This session will show the power of the public plate combined with social innovation as a way to improve the welfare and well-being of individuals and communities in Europe.

The session is the culmination of several previous joint sessions, projects and initiatives advocating for transformative and concrete minimum standards in public canteens through the EU, building on the shared goal of creating more socially just and resilient food regions and communities.

To register (EU Login required), and get more information on the programme and the speakers, click here