Workshop Highlights
The session, run by FoodEducators and FoodUnfolded together, opened with a reflective exploration of past and present food trends through the lens of breakfast. We used historical ads and personal anecdotes to examine evolving ideas of “healthy” breakfasts across generations, drawing connections between past trends and today’s rising focus on sustainability, personalized nutrition, and plant-based options. This retrospective inspired participants to reflect on the shifting societal, environmental, and technological factors that shape food choices.
Envisioning a positive future: a collaborative exercise
In a series of breakout sessions, participants delved into group discussions about a sustainable food future, focusing on breakfasts. Guided by the Megatrends Map by the Food Consumer Observatory, attendees envisioned the breakfast of 2074, creating optimistic scenarios informed by present-day innovations like regenerative farming, alternative proteins, and eco-labeling. These discussions emphasized how collective action and technological advancements could transform global food systems for the better.
First, the Megatrend Map was given to participants with only questions, so that they could reflect on food trends in their childhood.
After trying to spot food trends in their past, participants were given the Megatrends Map with the current food trends.
After getting familiar with the current food trends, through brainstorming exercises, each group designed ads for “future breakfasts,” highlighting anticipated megatrends in food production, health, and environmental impact. These creative outputs showcased imaginative visions for sustainable breakfasts that could inspire hope for a greener, more accessible food system.
Key Takeaways and a Call to Action
Through interactive storytelling, scenario planning, and collaborative creation, Harvesting Hope highlighted the importance of fostering sustainable food education and youth involvement. As FoodEducators and FoodUnfolded continue to build educational resources and networks for food sustainability, this event stands as a milestone in empowering young voices to lead transformative changes for our food systems.
Tips for educators
Reflecting on food trends from the perspectives the Megatrend Map provides supports your students to think about food in a systemic way, taking food trends into consideration. The map helps them reflect not only on their past foods and food habits, but also on the present and the future.
