Leading the Transition to the Planetary Health Diet at Erasmus University Rotterdam
At Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR), sustainability is more than a vision—it’s a commitment to action. In response to the climate and ecological emergency declared by the university in 2023, EUR is transforming its campus food systems to reflect its responsibility to people and planet. At the heart of this transformation is the Erasmus Food Lab, working closely with the Real Estate and Facilities Department, the Strategy Office, engaged faculties, and a growing network of students.
Together, we are implementing the Planetary Health Diet (PHD) by 2030—a science-based, health-promoting, and climate-conscious food policy designed to reshape how we eat on campus.
Why the Planetary Health Diet?
The PHD, developed by the EAT-Lancet Commission, offers a comprehensive global framework to ensure both human and planetary health. It calls for a predominantly plant-based diet, significantly reducing the consumption of animal products—especially red and processed meats—while increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts.
Scientific evidence shows that:
Implementing the PHD is an essential step for institutions like EUR to align their practices with the Sustainable Development Goals and the latest scientific insights on food system impacts.
A Roadmap for 2030
The Erasmus Food Lab has co-developed a phased, evidence-based roadmap to reach 80% plant-based food across all university food services by 2030. This includes:
Throughout the process, education, research, and community engagement will ensure the transition is inclusive, well-informed, and culturally sensitive.
A Collaborative Campus-Wide Effort
This initiative is led by:
By aligning its food policy with science, ethics, and community values, we aim not just to follow, but to lead.
Join the Movement
The shift toward the Planetary Health Diet at EUR reflects a powerful belief: that food can be a tool for transformation. Together, we are building a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future—one meal at a time.
Erasmus Food Lab: Cultivating knowledge. Cooking the future. Changing the system.
🌱 It’s a wrap! 🌱
This month, the Planetary Health Diet team at the Erasmus Food Lab proudly launched our first-ever Veganuary campaign! 🎉
As part of our mission to promote the Planetary Health Diet and work towards a more sustainable campus, students and staff from the Erasmus University Rotterdam were invited to join a fun challenge throughout January. They collected stamps for each plant-based meal they had at campus caterers. 🌯🥗 The most dedicated participants who gathered 10 stamps earned a cooking workshop for two at the Erasmus Food Lab. 👩🍳👨🍳
This initiative was made possible through the amazing collaboration between the university, campus caterers, and student volunteers, all coming together to push sustainability forward.
A big thank you to the engaged Erasmus campus caterers who participated, including:
👏 Sally’s Salads
👏 Has Döner
👏 Erasmus Paviljoen
👏 Sohmi
👏 Sports Café
👏 Coffee Company
👏 Tosti World
👏 Vitam
👏 Mozza
We’re already excited to bring this project back next year. 🚀 Until then, stay tuned for more inspiring and impactful initiatives by the Erasmus Food Lab coming up this semester! 🌍✨
