The communal meals will feature dishes made from surplus food, as well as opportunities for socialising and accessible support. The first meals will be served in October.
The City of Turku’s Food First project is launching communal meals in collaboration with organisations, the parish and other local communities. These meals, which are open to everyone and free of charge, make use of surplus food.
The meals are intended particularly for people facing financial or other everyday challenges who would benefit from food aid, a sense of community or low-threshold support. The aim is to enhance participants’ wellbeing, sense of inclusion and ability to cope with everyday life.
Support for everyday life is also available during the meals
At some of the meals, City of Turku staff are on hand to discuss everyday wellbeing and provide information about the city’s services. The times for these informal chats will be announced at each meal venue.
The communal meals are alcohol- and drug-free. Food and seating are limited, so the menu may vary from one session to the next. Feedback is collected from participants to help improve the service.
Places and timetables
Aurala Adult Education Centre
- Louhenpolku 3, 20100 Turku
- Tuesday breakfast from 9 am to 10 am, starting 20 October 2026.
- City staff will be on hand to chat and tell you about services on 7 November from 9.30 am to 11 am and on 1 December from 9.00 to 10.30 AM.
Riimi Community Centre
- Stoltinkatu 9, 20360 Turku
- Tuesday breakfast every other Tuesday from 10.00 to 11.30 AM: 10 November, 24 November, 8 December and 22 December.
- City staff will be present on 10 November and 24 November.
- The Finnish Red Cross’s mobile health advice point will be present on 24 November
Panskis Activity Centre
- Hyrköistentie 26, 20240 Turku
- Monday evening snack for families with children as part of the family club, from 17.00 to 19.00 PM, starting 2 November 2026.
New venues are being prepared
Communal meals are also being planned for the Maaria village hall, the Piikkiö Adventist Church, the Koivula parish hall and Turku’s A-Killa. The timetables for the new venues will be published once the practical arrangements have been finalised.
You are warmly welcome to come along to eat, meet others and get support for your everyday life.
In February 2026, Turku was selected as one of the winners of the Bloomberg Mayors Challenge for its model for reforming food aid. The Food First project received one million dollars in funding for its implementation, as well as separate funding for staff. The aim of the project is to reduce food waste, improve access to food aid, strengthen inclusion and support residents’ wellbeing in a more holistic way.
This translation was produced with AI and reviewed by a human.
