09/09/2021
HOW MUCH FAST FOOD IS IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF THE NETHERLANDS
The number of fast food chains McDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Burger King has increased significantly in recent years. Currently, there are 470 such establishments in the Netherlands, excluding the smaller and more independent establishments of the fast food industry.
The average number of cafeterias within 1 km in the Netherlands has grown from 5.5 in 2008 to 7.2 in 2020.
The highest density of eateries is observed in large cities. The average Amsterdam resident will find at least 28 cafeterias within 1 km of their home.
In 216 municipalities, the number of cafeterias (within 1 km of residents) increased from 2008 to 2020. At 87, the density of fast food restaurants decreased.
The nearest cafeteria is 800 meters away for the average Dutchman. This is no different from 2008.
In 102 municipalities, the distance to the nearest establishment decreased between 2008 and 2020. In 97 municipalities, compared to 2008, the average resident now has to travel a little further to get to the nearest cafeteria.
On average 4.1 km to the nearest cafeteria for Olst-Wijhe residents who live farthest from the diner. Many residents of Tytsjerksteradiel (2.6 km) also have to travel a bit before they get to the cafeteria.
On average, the closest residents to the diner are not residents of Amsterdam (0.4), Rotterdam (0.4) or The Hague (0.4), but residents of Schiermonnikoog. For them, the cafeteria is on average just 300 meters away on foot or by bike.
Annick de Ruyter, associate professor at UvA, and a team of researchers investigated what options cities currently have to reduce the number of fast food outlets and concluded that there are practically none. According to current legislation, municipalities cannot regulate this aspect.
“Since we view food as an individual choice, municipalities and governments cannot intervene through the Environment Act. If you are walking through a public place and you have to deal with stench or unpleasant odors due to garbage, then only in this case, there may be certain factors of influence. And the government has to do something about it. "
Municipalities are in favor of a broader interpretation of the Environment Law, in which the “food environment” is part of the definition of a safe and healthy physical environment, so that it also becomes a factor that can be regulated.