The city investigated the organization of food services – further preparations will be outlined in the city council in the autumn.

The city is investigating how it is justified to organize food services in Riihimäki starting on 1 January 2029. The city has completed a study on the options for organizing food services. The study mapped out different operating models and their costs per portion. Currently, the city's food services are provided by the competitive service provider Palmia Oy. The food service agreement with Palmia is valid until 31 December 2028.

Boards advocate stakeholder collaboration

The Education and Welfare Committee and the Technical Committee have discussed the report and taken a position on further preparation as follows:

• Stakeholder collaboration option: Both boards emphasize that further preparation must explore the possibilities for stakeholder collaboration in organizing food services.
• Purchasing services: According to the Education and Welfare Board, it is possible to alternatively proceed with the preparation of a tender for a complete or partial purchasing service.
• Central kitchen option: In the opinion of the Education and Welfare Committee, considering the city's financial situation, it is not worth building its own central kitchen. The Technical Committee stated its position that a central kitchen solution based on its own production should also be investigated in more detail.

Decision-making will be transferred to the city council.

Since the organization of food services affects more than one industry, a policy on organizing service production will be prepared for the next decision of the city council. If a central kitchen solution is decided upon, it will also require, among other things, council approval for the investment.

The final decision on the future organization model for the city's food services is planned to be made by the end of this year.

Additional information

Technical Committee Agenda 9.6.2026 (kunta2.riihimaki.fi)
Agenda of the Education and Welfare Committee 10.6.2026 (kunta2.riihimaki.fi)

Instead of an agenda, starting Monday, June 15.6, the minutes of the meetings will be available on the kunta2.riihimaki.fi service.