ROTTERDAM, 16 November 2024 – A new pop-up store aims to address food insecurity in Rotterdam, a city where disparities in access to healthy meals persist. Goodness introduces an initiative combining affordability with sustainability to support residents.

Tackling food insecurity in Rotterdam

Goodness, a social enterprise, is opening a temporary shop at Rotterdam Centraal Station, located between HEMA and Sissy-Boy. The initiative provides affordable meals to city residents, especially those with limited financial resources. Meals are available for €1, with ingredients including beans, rice, and vegetables. This pricing model is subsidised by sales to customers who pay slightly more than usual for the same meals, ensuring fairness and sustainability.

Rotterdam was chosen as the launch city due to its diverse population and contrasting socioeconomic landscapes. Goodness highlights that one in seven households in the city struggles to access healthy food, reflecting broader food inequality across the Netherlands.

Rooted in sustainability

The meals offered are inspired by the “Menu of the Future,” a concept developed by the Lancet EAT Commission. This research advocates for sustainable food systems capable of nourishing a global population of 10 billion. Goodness incorporates this vision by offering healthy, affordable meals that also minimise environmental impact.

How to participate

Rotterdam residents are encouraged to engage with the initiative by visiting the pop-up store, purchasing meals, or contributing to the associated crowdfunding campaign via the organisation's website. The campaign aims to bolster efforts to reduce food insecurity and promote equitable access to nutritious meals.

Location and details

Goodness pop-up store at Rotterdam Centraal

The Goodness pop-up store is open from 19 November 2024 at Rotterdam Centraal Station, between HEMA and Sissy-Boy. Visitors can learn more about the initiative, purchase meals, or support the cause directly. For directions to the store:

ROTTERDAM, 13 November 2024 – Passengers travelling through Rotterdam The Hague Airport can now view a thought-provoking sculpture titled “It’s A Trap.” Created by Rotterdam-based artist Jeej, the artwork draws attention to the Peter Pan Vakantieclub, a foundation dedicated to organising holidays for chronically ill young people.

_{Photo credit: Emma Kuiper / Mermaized}

Rotterdam The Hague Airport hosts artwork with a message

A new sculpture titled “It’s A Trap” by Rotterdam artist Jeej is now on display in the departure hall of Rotterdam The Hague Airport. The artwork is not only visually striking but also carries a deeper message. It aims to highlight the work of the Peter Pan Vakantieclub, a foundation that provides holidays for children with chronic illnesses.

A collaboration born from chance

The partnership between Jeej and the Peter Pan Vakantieclub originated in 2023 when the artist noticed the foundation’s custom-painted Transavia aeroplane while on a flight. Moved by its mission to give children an escape from their daily struggles, Jeej felt compelled to contribute. Known for his art focusing on themes of escapism, playfulness, and childhood nostalgia, this collaboration aligns closely with Jeej’s creative philosophy.

Art reflecting freedom and reflection

Jeej’s artistic roots are in the graffiti scene, where he combines raw street art with themes of innocence. With “It’s A Trap,” Jeej encourages viewers to reflect on their childhood and moments of unburdened freedom. The sculpture serves as a reminder of the importance of carefree experiences and seeks to draw attention to children who do not take such freedoms for granted. The artwork will remain on display in the airport for several months.

About the Peter Pan Vakantieclub

Founded in 1996, the Peter Pan Vakantieclub organises special holidays for young people with chronic illnesses. Operated entirely by volunteers from Transavia, the foundation provides these children with the chance to escape daily challenges and enjoy new adventures alongside peers. These trips aim to foster joy, friendship, and a sense of freedom, celebrating the spirit of childhood.

To mark Transavia’s 50th anniversary, the foundation received a customised aeroplane as a gift. The Peter Pan Vakantieclub’s own Boeing 737, decorated in its colours and logo, frequently flies out of Rotterdam The Hague Airport.

Directions to the departure hall at Rotterdam The Hague Airport

The artwork is located in the main departure hall of Rotterdam The Hague Airport, situated approximately 15 minutes by car from Rotterdam city centre. The airport is accessible via public transport, including bus lines 33 and 37. Parking facilities are available onsite for visitors driving to the location.

ROTTERDAM, 29 October 2024 – Diergaarde Blijdorp (Rotterdam Zoo) marked its first "Impact Day," highlighting environmental achievements since its shift towards nature restoration efforts. The zoo's initiatives aim to conserve species and restore habitats both locally and internationally.

Diergaarde Blijdorp reports progress on nature restoration goals

Diergaarde Blijdorp in Rotterdam celebrated its inaugural "Impact Day" on 29 October, presenting the results from its ongoing transformation into a nature restoration organisation. This annual event showcased the zoo's conservation projects and ecological restoration efforts, as Blijdorp aims to protect endangered species and engage in broader environmental initiatives. The event featured presentations by zoo director Erik Zevenbergen, as well as insights from scientific experts involved in Blijdorp's conservation projects.

Key conservation initiatives

Blijdorp has focused its restoration efforts through four main initiatives: Stop the Loss, Brighten the Blue, Reverse the Red, and Expand the Green. These projects work towards safeguarding endangered species, promoting awareness, and strengthening partnerships on both national and international levels.

During "Impact Day," the zoo spotlighted a range of projects, emphasising efforts to tackle biodiversity loss and habitat degradation. Erik Zevenbergen underscored the importance of Blijdorp’s role in this shift, stating, “A movement needs to start. We have stood still for too long. Blijdorp wants to make a difference.”

International environmental efforts

Blijdorp’s conservation work extends beyond the Netherlands, with recent projects focusing on global ecosystems. Notably, the zoo and its support network, the Vrienden van Blijdorp, acquired 30 hectares of land in Nepal to combat deforestation. Research efforts in 2024 included genetic studies of the endangered Asian elephant and Rüppell’s griffon vulture, species that face extinction pressures globally.

The zoo’s Roffa Reefs project supports coral reef regeneration in the Caribbean while working to prevent the extinction of the critically endangered Lesser Antillean iguana. These initiatives reflect Blijdorp’s expanded scope, which now includes addressing ecological challenges far beyond the zoo’s grounds.

Local conservation and waste reduction initiatives

Blijdorp has also focused on local conservation projects. Collaborating with partners, the zoo is working towards reintroducing the Dalmatian pelican in the Netherlands. Blijdorp has taken additional steps to minimise plastic waste within its facilities by phasing out single-use plastic bottles and cups. In recent months, the zoo’s work in rescuing and releasing seahorses and rare sea turtles has garnered public support across the Netherlands.

Scientific research as a central pillar

With its shift towards becoming a restoration-oriented zoo, Blijdorp has increasingly prioritised scientific research. In 2024, several PhD projects commenced, including studies on the critically endangered Rüppell’s griffon vulture. Further research planned for 2025 will address health challenges in species such as the Asian lion and red panda.

Blijdorp’s ongoing conservation work aligns with its broader objective of building a sustainable future for wildlife and increasing public awareness of ecological issues. The outcomes achieved in 2024 form a foundation for future projects, both in the Netherlands and abroad.

Directions to Diergaarde Blijdorp (Rotterdam Zoo)

Diergaarde Blijdorp is centrally located in Rotterdam and easily accessible by public transport or car. The zoo is near Rotterdam Central Station, with tram and bus routes connecting directly to the site. The surrounding area offers visitors a range of dining and shopping options.

ROTTERDAM, 1 October 2024 – Erasmus MC and the municipality of Rotterdam have committed to creating more inclusive job opportunities through a newly signed agreement aimed at people facing employment barriers. The initiative seeks to set a new standard for employment policies in the region.

Erasmus MC and Rotterdam collaborate on inclusive job opportunities

The Erasmus MC has become the first academic hospital in the Netherlands to sign a social inclusion agreement with the municipality of Rotterdam. The agreement, known as a “Social Return” policy (Social Return), is designed to create hundreds of job opportunities for people with limited access to the labour market.

As the largest employer in the region, Erasmus MC will incorporate this commitment into its procurement policies. It will now require its contractors to offer employment opportunities to vulnerable groups. These roles may include caregiving support, cleaning, or other facility management services within the hospital.

Focus on social impact in employment

Tim Versnel, alderman for Work and Income, expressed the significance of the agreement: “This will make an impact. Every Rotterdammer deserves access to employment, including those with a disability or other barriers. We are setting a new standard. With the current tight job market, I hope this inspires other hospitals, businesses, and institutions in Rotterdam to include Social Return in their procurement policies.”

A collaborative approach

Through this agreement, Erasmus MC will align its procurement and tendering processes with the Social Return policy established by the municipality of Rotterdam. This means that every procurement order will be evaluated for its potential to create jobs or provide training for those distanced from the labour market. In turn, the municipality will support the hospital by offering expertise and experience in implementing Social Return practices.

Expanding impact across Rotterdam

The municipality of Rotterdam aims to expand its partnerships with large employers. This agreement with Erasmus MC is seen as a model for future collaborations. In February 2024, the municipality launched its updated Social Return policy, aiming to double the number of "anchor organisations"—large entities committed to sustainable employment practices. With an annual procurement budget of €1 billion, Erasmus MC is one such anchor organisation.

Championing an inclusive labour market

The city of Rotterdam is regarded as a leader in the Netherlands in implementing Social Return policies. In 2023, the city generated €35 million in social return results, helping 3,000 people find employment. The agreement was signed on International Diversity Day, a day dedicated to promoting inclusive job markets and celebrating talent in all forms.

How to reach Erasmus MC

The Erasmus MC is centrally located in Rotterdam, making it accessible from various parts of the city. The hospital is easily reachable by public transport, including metro and tram services, with stops located just a short walk away. If travelling by car, parking facilities are available nearby.