Fact sheet written by Martino Crugnola Giussani, Ludovica Imarisio, Matteo Signorelli of the Science of Gastronomic Design course of the UNISG Bachelor of Science in Gastronomic Sciences and Cultures degree
Country: Portugal
Address: Esposende
Type of reality: International association with social purpose
Target audience: B2G, B2E, B2C
Claim: Educating cities fostering sustainable food systems
Website: International Association of Educating Cities (IAEC)
Scenario
Today’s urban societies face complex challenges related to food security, climate change and social inequality. Urban, environmental and social policies face major challenges such as food security, climate change and social equality.
In this context, cities can become laboratories of sustainability, spaces where citizens, schools, and institutions experiment with innovative solutions to make food systems more resilient, equitable, and sustainable. Educating new generations and promoting conscious food practices thus becomes a strategic step in addressing the climate and social crisis.
Description
TheInternational Association of Educating Cities (IAEC) is an international organization that promotes education as a tool for sustainable development in cities, with an integrated and participatory approach. Through concrete projects, IAEC transforms urban communities into laboratories of sustainability, involving citizens, schools and local governments.
Against this backdrop comes Generation S: Food Sustainability Program, an IAEC project that aims to develop food and environmental awareness in city settings, placing youth and preschools at the center. The program actively engages schools, families and communities, capitalizing on opportunities provided by civil society organizations and local institutions.
Activities include educational trails, urban gardens, workshops, awareness campaigns and international exchanges, with the aim of stimulating curiosity and awareness about food production and consumption. The project encourages the development of critical thinking about the origin of food and the environmental impact of one’s choices, promoting more responsible consumption patterns and the enhancement of local, ethical and sustainable supply chains.
Generation S supports the younger generation in the belief that they can become agents of change in the food system, starting in their own cities to generate positive impact on a global scale.
Bibliography
- IAEC, Generation S: food sustainability program, 6/22/22, https://bidce.org/en/experience/98
