Oslo municipality must halve meat consumption. – We know that eating a little less meat is one of the cheapest and most effective climate measures we have, says finance councilor Einar Wilhelmsen (MDG). He is responsible for the plan, which will also ensure a healthier diet. Wilhelmsen says that it is a problem that too many children eat too little fruit and vegetables. – Only one in five gets five a day. But I think most people agree with me that it is rare to hear of children who eat too little sausage. He also says that there will not be a ban on bringing a slice of bread with cooked ham from home. According to the city council, eating less meat is good for health and good for the climate. And for the environment. – The plan also includes measures to reduce food waste. We haul far too much food, says Wilhelmsen. The city council adopts the action plan today. Here at finance councilor Einar Wilhelmsen and councilor for education and knowledge, Sunniva Holmås Eidsvoll. Photo: Olav Juven / news Exemption for nursing homes The City Council is therefore today adopting a separate action plan for sustainable, healthy and more plant-based food. Removing meat from all municipal kindergartens is one of 47 measures. Here are some of them: The food served in the municipality’s leisure clubs, AKS and kindergartens must be meat-free. Exceptions may be made for special occasions such as holidays. All the municipality’s canteens must have at least three meat-free days a week. There should always be a hot vegan option when hot food is served. Free, meat-free meal every day at all secondary schools from 2023. Was introduced at upper secondary schools in 2022. Work for sustainable, healthy and more plant-based food in municipally owned kiosks, field kitchens and restaurants. The measures against meat shall not apply to nursing homes. A Nordic expert group recommends that we only eat 350 grams of red meat a week for health reasons. For the sake of the environment, we should eat even less. The Norwegian dietary advice says a maximum of half a kilo. – Not the end of the earth Oslo Conservative Party was among the critics of meat-free kindergartens when the plan was submitted for consultation this spring. Health policy spokesperson Hassan Nawaz says that his party follows the dietary advice from the Directorate of Health. – This means more fish, more fruit and vegetables and less meat. It is both healthy and good for the climate. Right-wing health politician in Oslo, Hassan Nawaz. Photo: Erlend Dalhaug Daae – So I notice in this case that people are in favor of a ban. That in itself is not the end of the world, but I struggle to understand why you don’t follow the professional advice that comes from national authorities instead. – And then a ban is to go too far? – We are for freedom of choice in the diet, says Hassan Nawaz. No ban on packed lunches But there will not be a total ban on meat within the four walls of the kindergartens. – Oslo municipality is not going to ignore what parents send with their children in their food parcels. But when we serve food in the kindergartens, we must serve fruit and vegetables and fish, says Einar Wilhelmsen. The MDG City Council adds that the Norwegian Directorate of Health recommends serving vegetarian food in kindergartens with children from different cultural backgrounds. – It is more social and inclusive. Then everyone can eat the same thing, he says. It will still be allowed to bring a packed lunch with cold cuts. Photo: Knut Fjeldstad / news Reversal? The city council adopts meat-free kindergartens on the same day that the bourgeois election winners sit down to put a new city council on its feet. Hassan Nawaz is careful to comment on a new city council’s policy and will not speculate on whether the decision on meat-free kindergartens will be changed. – But in general, going to the polls to reverse policy has not been very popular when we have seen the current government, says the Right-wing politician.
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Oslo City Council wants meat-free kindergartens – news Oslo og Viken – Local news, TV and radio
