KIRA - GEMEINSAM FÜR REGIONALES ESSEN

In the page's words:

WHAT IF REGIONAL FOOD WERE
WERE A MATTER OF COURSE?

Imagine this: potatoes, apples, and vegetables coming directly from the Rhineland—without any detours—to daycare centers, schools, and workplace cafeterias. That means less transportation, lower CO2 emissions, and better flavor—all under fair conditions for everyone involved. KIRA is a network for farmers, kitchens, and logistics providers.

Together, we build connections to ensure that organic and regional food arrives reliably, thereby laying the foundation for a regional supply chain.

For farmers, KIRA opens up new sales channels, direct contacts with AHV kitchens and regionally active distributors, as well as a regional network of producers.

For food service operations, ordering regional food is becoming feasible step by step—with support for seasonal and cost-effective menu planning, waste reduction,
and DGE standards, as well as a digital ordering platform.

For regional logistics providers, KIRA demonstrates how to better consolidate shipments, calculate costs more transparently, and identify suitable distribution center locations. This ensures that regional food reaches daycare centers, schools, and cafeterias more efficiently and reliably.

KIRA is an acronym for “Conception and Initiation of a Sustainable Regional Supply Network for Out-of-Home Catering” in the Rhineland.

Funded by: Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Home Affairs

Part of the “Eating Better in the Region” model region competition.

Project partners: Offenburg University of Applied Sciences, Cologne University of Applied Sciences, South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, Bioland, Cologne Food Policy Council