CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN THE PUBLIC MANAGEMENT OF SCHOOL CANTEEN SERVICE. ASSESSMENT OF EUROPEAN PRACTICES

To-date public procurement is responsible for 15% to worldwide Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions. Within this sector, the average meal provided in school canteen service is responsible for 1.305 kg CO2-eq, mostly due to food preparation impact, in particular meat production from livestock. Under these perspectives towards a Green Public Procurement represents an essential strategy to support the reduction of GHG emissions related to government activities. Particularly, shifting from a high-impact school canteen service to a greener one is necessary. This paper analyzes some models of school canteen services provided in a sample of public European schools, included the Italian ones, for highlighting the several approaches of environmental sustainability, food policies and public procurement programs adopted by municipalities. Specifically, this study compared the models of school canteen services adopted by some local authorities and the environmental performance achieved, outlining also the reduction of GHG emissions documented by some European countries. In conclusion, the combination of procurement models, food policies and environmental sustainability approaches can support public authorities in the administration of a meal in line with human health, environmental sustainability and economic return, without compromising without compromising the supply chain.