– After a long school day, young people are often very hungry. Not everyone can bring their snacks, and sometimes snack money is spent on candy and treats, says Lea Hakala, youth counsellor at Mukkula Youth Centre.
– The trial has been well-received, and young people have been happy about this opportunity.
Trial continues and expands
– The successful trial at Mukkula sparked interest in expanding the practice and led to city-wide guidelines for utilising school surplus food at youth centres, says Liisa Kumpulainen, area coordinator for the City of Lahti.
– Throughout the spring, the trial has expanded to youth centres in Ahtiala, Kivimaa, Lähde, and Nastola, and it will continue to expand based on the needs of the youth centres.
Schools are already doing a lot to reduce waste, but it inevitably occurs.
– Distributing surplus food at youth centres is a great way to reduce food waste while providing young people with nutritious food after school, says Outi Luukkonen, development manager at Päijät-Häme Meal Services.
– The trial has started well, and the feedback from youth centres has been positive; the food tastes good to the young people.
Luukkonen adds that due to the successful trial, the practice will continue next school year.
More information
Päijät-Häme Meal Services
Outi Luukkonen, development manager
044 482 0866
outi.luukkonen@paijatateria.fi
City of Lahti
Lea Hakala, youth counsellor, 050 383 6457, lea.hakala@lahti.fi
Liisa Kumpulainen, area coordinator, 044 482 0818, liisa.kumpulainen@lahti.fi