Milan implements green food policy in schools

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Milan has implemented green food policies in public schools, noting that the move cut CO₂ emissions 42.89% in the period between 2015 and 2021.

Headed by Mayor of Milan Giuseppe Sala, city authorities pointed out that sustainable menus without meat reduce environmental impact and promote good practices.

As part of the green food policy push, the city will serve meatless menus in all city schools on National Day of Energy Saving and Sustainable Lifestyles on 16 February.

Deputy Mayor Anna Scavuzzo pointed out that the initiative is in line with the city’s strategy and noted that “various international projects reward the reduction of meat in school canteen menus.”

She stressed that menus focus on seasonal produce, which has lower environmental impact than meat.

Scavuzzo pointed out that green food policies helped Milan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from school canteen menus by approximately 20% in the first five years of implementation, reminding that the first policies were adopted in 2015.

She concluded that this decrease in emissions confirms that the decision was “more than valid.”

City authorities noted that school canteens in Milan generate less than 6 kg of CO₂ per 1,000 kcal of food prepared, in contrast with the European average of approximately 10 kg and international average of roughly 25 kg.

Under the green food policy, schools in Milan cut the use of pork by 71% and beef by 62%, and increased the use of tubers, legumes and turkey by 20%, 18% and 11%, respectively.