Just Food for kids? School food management models and sustainable procurement in France and Germany

Abstract

Biodiversity loss, climate change, rising indices of food insecurity, and increasing amounts of food waste underscore the need for a transition toward more sustainable and just food systems. Public food procurement can be considered an important leverage point in sustainable transition processes. Based on a conceptual framework that combines sustainability, just transition, and the role of public food procurement, this study focuses on the role of municipalities in France (Normandy and Brittany) and Germany (Bavaria and Baden‐Württemberg) and analyzes their sustainability efforts. Seventeen urban and rural municipalities have been selected as they all engage with the issue of sustainable food but employ a variety of different models of school food management. Our methodology is based on a comparative approach, combining literature analysis and qualitative expert interviews with stakeholders from French and German local municipalities. Our analysis focuses on the ecological, economic, and social dimensions of sustainability, including organic share, food waste, local food, accessibility, diversity, education, and participation. Our research aim is to identify potentials and challenges in just food system transitions and appropriate policy measures for promoting sustainable public procurement in school canteens. The results show that direct public management models, that are not externalized through outsourcing to private catering companies, have more potential for defining high organic standards and for integrating local food into regional value chains.