Food trainings in schools
In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 37 million children under the age of five were overweight worldwide. In Europe, 29% of children aged 7 to 9 live with overweight or obesity.
This is a major public health problem.
Through its food literacy programmes in schools across Europe, SAFE and its project partners provide pupils, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, with engaging educational materials on food labelling, the health risks linked to excessive sugar consumption and obesity, and the impact of ultra‑processed foods (UPFs). So far, more than 5,000 pupils have taken part in these sessions.
Strengthening food education is crucial, helping young people make informed choices and adopt habits that reduce the risk of obesity and diet‑related diseases.
Find out more about our nutrition trainings on sugar consumption.
Healthy Meal
Food insecurity is rising across Europe. As living costs increase, many families are forced to change their eating habits, often choosing cheaper and less nutritious food. Many also cut back on social activities like eating out, which can increase isolation for those already facing financial pressure.
The Healthy Meal project was created to address these challenges. It brings together a network of restaurants that offer healthy, nutritious, and sustainably prepared meals at affordable prices for people in need. The project is currently active in Belgium, Croatia, Greece, Lithuania, Italy, and Romania.
Healthy Meal has also developed a digital platform that provides food vouchers and connects people to participating restaurants. This system can be scaled up and integrated into broader social support programmes. By improving access to nutritious meals and supporting local businesses, the project helps reduce food insecurity and limit food waste.
Inclusive Food Literacy Across Generations and Communities
Across Europe, many health problems like heart disease and diabetes are linked to everyday challenges such as unhealthy diets, limited health knowledge, and unequal access to healthcare. People from immigrant and refugee backgrounds are often more affected.
When people move to a new country, it can be difficult to find or afford the ingredients they are used to. This can lead to relying on cheaper foods that are high in salt, sugar, and processed ingredients. These challenges can also increase food waste.
To address this, SAFE will organise welcoming, community-based activities for people from diverse backgrounds, especially those who have recently arrived. During these sessions, participants will learn how to prepare healthy, affordable meals while reducing food waste.
The activities will respect different cultural food traditions and help participants understand how diet affects long-term health. Participants will also be encouraged to share their own recipes, adapted with local and low-cost ingredients, and to learn how to reuse leftovers safely for future meals.
