Good Food HUBs Project Led to a Study on Food Sustainability

Launched by the Municipality in October 2022, the project led the study 'Good Food HUBs - Recommendations for the Introduction of Sustainability Criteria in Collective Catering', which was recently presented at UPTEC - Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto. In just over a year, the initiative facilitated the distribution of more than 2,700 kg of organic food.

The study, conducted by the Municipality, individually consulted various organisations responsible for collective catering in the city, with the aim of understanding how to connect natural cycles to menus in schools and universities in Porto.

This work has been ongoing since October 2022, when the Good Food HUBs project was launched, under the slogan 'Change Your Eating Habits'. Change the World', was created with the aim of making the city's food system more sustainable, healthy, fair, and local.

Since its creation until 31 December 2023, the Good Food HUBs project has resulted in 61 markets with the participation of 10 producers, served around 2,300 customers, distributed more than 2,700 kg of organic food, and generated over €10,800 in revenue.

At the presentation of the study, Filipe Araújo, Deputy Mayor and Councillor for the Environment, pointed out that 'local, seasonal, organically produced food at fair prices is beneficial for the environment, health, and the economy, and it is the Municipality's role to set an example for this transformation'.

Nevertheless, the mayor reiterated that this 'is a complex task, involving various organisations, companies, and a high volume of operations and connections between different stakeholders'. Therefore, there is no other option but to 'follow this path, for the sake of current generations, future generations, and current and future businesses as well', added Filipe Araújo.

Project can be replicated

At UPTEC, there were 20 representatives from various groups involved in the city's collective catering, including operators, contracting entities, nutrition specialists, and producers and distributors of organic products.

Some data were also presented to highlight the importance of this work and the need for the Municipality to set an example, noting that 4.5 million meals are provided annually in Porto, covering all education levels from preschool to higher education.

At the end of the session, a round of comments was opened to identify ideas, barriers, and challenges for implementing sustainability criteria in tender documents.

With the completion of the Good Food HUBs cycle, the study will continue as part of an internal Municipality effort to see the project replicated by more contracting entities.

The project included events for the delivery and sale of food, workshops, the promotion of sustainability criteria in cafeterias, and research projects related to the food system.

According to a study by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, with which the Municipality collaborates, regenerative agriculture and a circular food system can provide significant environmental and economic benefits for Porto. The city's ambition is to be circular and carbon neutral by 2030.