Waste goodies and savings

VAKEn housing services have adopted an innovative way to utilize food waste. In supported housing units such as Pähkinärinne, Pyykuja, Viidakkokuja, and Näätäkuja, food is prepared from the ingredients of the common table, which reduces food waste and brings significant savings. The idea of utilizing food waste in supported housing units came from the fact that among the food waste, there are small amounts of certain ingredients that are difficult to share among several people. These ingredients have started to be used to prepare food together in the housing units.

Kaisa Mattila, the manager of supported housing, says: "In the units, we have prepared, for example, meat pie on a baking sheet, chicken and rice baked in the oven, as well as sausage sauce and potatoes. Additionally, we have baked bread with the residents. For example, bread made from porridge has received a lot of praise."

Utilizing food waste not only reduces food waste but also brings economic savings. This innovation is part of a broader sustainability strategy that promotes circular economy and environmentally friendly practices.

"We are proud to be able to offer our residents healthy and tasty food while reducing environmental impact," adds Mattila.

Residents have been eager to participate in cooking. Cooking has also engaged those residents who usually do not participate in communal activities. The staff has enjoyed having new content in their workdays, and great discussions have arisen during cooking.

The food prepared from food waste has received a lot of praise and enthusiasm. "This is a great example of how small actions can have a big impact. We are committed to continuing this practice and developing new ways to utilize food waste," says Mattila.