What’s been happening in the FoodEducators Hubs this autumn?

Czechia

Science comes alive for 360 high school students

This spring’s Discover Science in Action program at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague gave more than 360 students a chance to dive into real laboratory work and explore future careers in food and biotechnology.

Across a four-hour programme of presentations, lab rotations and career discussions, students tried out six hands-on experiments. Teachers praised the event for its impact: “Students left not only with new knowledge, but also with the motivation to consider studies in food and biotechnology.”

Latvia

A nature-powered seminar on the ‘Trail of Taste and Knowledge’

Educators across Latvia gathered in the Blue Mountains of Ogre for a 6 km hike that turned nature into a classroom. Through games, group tasks, and discussions, teachers explored creative ways to bring food and healthy eating into their lessons.

From cooking over a campfire with nutritionist Elīna Petrinčika, to designing “nature plates” from forest materials, to a reflective mindfulness walk, the day blended movement, creativity, and collaboration. Teachers left feeling renewed and inspired — carrying home not just a certificate, but a fresh toolkit of ideas for the school year.

Spain

Exploring blue careers in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve

25 high school students joined a marine-themed Career Day, organised with Hub4Food, AZTI, and FoodEducators.

Students learned how climate change affects ocean ecosystems with AZTI researcher Javier Franco, and heard from surfer and ocean advocate Garazi Sánchez following a screening of her documentary Vergüenza.

Hands-on workshops by BIOOK capped the day, giving students the chance to investigate marine biodiversity with DIY microscopes and games – and discover how science and sustainability meet at sea.

Lithuania

Balancing food traditions with healthy habits

At Šalčininkai district Jašiūnai Aušros Gymnasium, students explored the rich traditions of Lithuanian cuisine while learning how to adapt recipes for healthier modern lifestyles.

Under the guidance of technology teacher Oksana Mačiulienė, students compared traditional dishes with updated versions using local, fresh ingredients. Cooking, tasting, and group discussions showed that cultural heritage and health don’t have to compete – they can complement each other tastefully.

Hungary

Food industry careers take centre stage

Career fair season kicked off in full swing this autumn, and our Hungarian FoodEducators Hub joined five major fairs across the country.

Over 500 students tested their knowledge of food labels, packaging symbols, and food waste through playful activities like spinning the “wheel of fortune”. Parents and teachers explored our teaching materials and lesson plans, while students learned about the exciting range of professions in the food sector. And we’re not done yet, more fairs are still to come!

Slovenia

Food Education Ambassadors begin their journey

More than 40 teachers joined our Food Education Ambassadors programme through two in-depth training sessions in Ljubljana and Koper. The goal? To empower educators to confidently integrate nutrition, sustainability, and food literacy into their classrooms.

Ambassadors have already delivered their first lessons, guiding students as they prepare research posters for the Challenge Lab Junior competition — from myth-busting to food waste tips and recipes.

We can’t wait to see the first posters and announce the winners in early November!

Portugal

Engaging families at the BOIL Climate Festival

At the vibrant BOIL Climate Festival, our Portuguese hub invited families to explore how daily food choices affect the planet.

Over two days, more than 200 participants played “Fridge Tetris” to learn about food storage, tested “Food Impact Cards”, and reflected on how their meals connect to the climate. Blending art, humour, and science, BOIL offered the perfect setting to engage people of all ages in climate action, one meal at a time.

Bulgaria

Hands-on learning at the Beautiful Science Festival

At the Beautiful Science Festival in Varna, FoodEducators ran three lively workshops for students from grades 2, 3, and 5. Through teamwork and friendly competition, students learned what a food system is, mapped out the journey of strawberry jam, and explored the difference between food loss and food waste.

By the end, students could confidently explain expiry dates and safe food handling – all while having fun creating, presenting, and asking questions.