In Helsinki, playground meals have a long tradition. A free hot lunch is available once again this summer until 2 August for those under 16.
Helsinki's playgrounds that are staying open will offer a free hot lunch on weekdays for those under 16. Playground meals were first served in Helsinki in the middle of the war in 1942, and for many families it is an experience that links generations together.
This is also true for Minna Hoffström, CEO of the municipal enterprise Palvelukeskus Helsinki, which prepares the summer meals. She too has personal memories of playground meals from her childhood in the 1970s.
“I have many fond memories of Playground Nuoli in Pitäjänmäki. I learned to play games like Corona and Four goals with my friends, and I remember many songs and other games too. The food tasted good back then as well, even though I do not have a clear memory of what was on the menu. My own children have also come here for playground meals during their summer breaks,” Hoffström says.
I have many fond memories of Playground Nuoli in Pitäjänmäki. I learned to play games like Corona and Four goals with my friends, and I remember many songs and other games too.
Today, Hoffström's job is to ensure that the various services of the municipal enterprise, such as the summertime meals, meet the needs of division clients and city residents, as well as legal requirements, in a high-quality and efficient manner.
“Being able to collaborate with specialists from different fields and influence the daily lives and wellbeing of tens of thousands of the city's residents is a major motivator for me,” she says.
The playground meals consist of soups and stews, which are suitable for hot transport, and they are delivered to playgrounds for distribution. The food is served onto the children's plates and enjoyed on the spot.
This summer, the menu will include often-requested vegan food at least once a week. In addition, certain dishes, such as rainbow trout soup and Italian stew, remain favourites amongst children and young people year after year. The foods on the menu also adhere to the nutritional guidelines and the City's policies.
“We update our menus annually based on, among other things, the previous year's customer feedback,” says Hoffström.
This summer, Helsinki is also experimenting with offering summer meals to the residents of certain senior centres, which delights Hoffström.
“Gathering around a shared meal gives children and young people the opportunity to get to know the senior population and is likely to be important socially for the older generation as well.”
Hoffström is also pleased with the City Council's decision to permit the guarantee for a new central kitchen, thanks to which its building project can now proceed.
“This allows us, for example, to continue preparing food energy-efficiently and cost-effectively for playgrounds and other statutory City services, adapting to the needs of Helsinki residents. The entire city can feel proud of this project,” she summarises.