Exploring the reopening of Mensa Mensa in Almere

In 2022, the Netherlands’ first Volkskantine opened in Almere. The pilot provided valuable insights into the role a public restaurant can play in the city. Since then, the concept has been further developed under the name Mensa Mensa, with new locations opening in Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Every day, local residents visit these restaurants for an affordable and healthy meal.

On behalf of Public Food, Food Pioneers is exploring what a new Mensa Mensa in Almere could look like and where it could be located.

Exploring what Almere needs together

As part of this research, Food Pioneers and the Municipality of Almere organised a meeting on 23 June for people involved in making healthy and accessible food available throughout the city.

The aim was to explore where a Mensa Mensa could make a meaningful contribution in Almere, which organisations could become involved and what would be needed to make the initiative work in the long term.

Food Pioneers director Filip Otten opened the meeting. Floris Visser, founder of Public Food, then introduced the participants to the idea of a public food system.

Healthy food as a public service

We have collectively created systems for services such as education, public transport and drinking water. Public Food is exploring how we can also make healthy and sustainable food more accessible to everyone.

Public Food brings this new system to life by opening public restaurants where everyone can enjoy a tasty and affordable meal. They serve as neighbourhood living rooms that contribute to social cohesion, local entrepreneurship and a healthy living environment.

Coming together during the World Café

During the meeting, participants took part in three rounds of discussions about bringing Mensa Mensa back to Almere. Topics included potential locations in the city’s districts and neighbourhoods, Almere’s network of organisations working in healthcare, social services, green initiatives and education, and how these organisations could support Mensa Mensa. Another important question was how Mensa Mensa could operate in a financially sustainable way.

Food Pioneers will use the ideas and insights gathered during the meeting in its ongoing research into how Mensa Mensa can be established sustainably in Almere.

Help shape Mensa Mensa in Almere

Making Mensa Mensa a success requires a network of people and organisations willing to take shared responsibility for healthy and accessible food.

Do you have an idea for a location, partnership or funding opportunity? Would you like to share your thoughts, discuss the initiative or play a role in its development?

Contact Guusje Weeber at guusje@foodpioneers.nl.