Discovering urban foodsystems with the Foodscape walkabout
In Rome, FoodEducators’ team, comprising Fabienne Ruault, Keren Dalyot, Miriam Sastre, and Eliska Selinger, showcased an innovative approach: the "foodscape walkabout."
This participatory activity is part of our the “Foodscape walkabout” lesson plan. It involves guiding students through their neighborhoods to create detailed food maps, providing them with tangible insights into their local food environments. This process not only aids in recognizing chances for impactful enhancements towards resilient and sustainable food systems but also underscores the critical part youth can play in agricultural and food systems transformation—a cornerstone for sustainable development and accelerated climate action.
During the forum, FoodEducators’ session engaged attendees with a compelling combination of live discussions, interactive quizzes, and illustrative videos from diverse locales—Israel, Hungary, Spain, and Belgium—showcasing the application of the foodscape methodology by the youth. The methodology's potential to foster sustainable, health-conscious food choices among young people was particularly emphasized. Through this hands-on tool, we can increase awareness of the influence our immediate food environment has on our choices, health, and the planet's wellbeing.
The takeaway is clear: by employing simple, accessible tools like food mapping, we can begin to effectuate positive changes within our communities. These tools do not just educate; they make sustainability a tangible and achievable goal, especially for the younger generation.
Role of youth in transforming food systems
At the online satellite event, Viktoria Soos represented FoodEducators in the discussion about the role of youth in evolving agrifood systems towards sustainable practices. Partnering with various organizations, the event highlighted initiatives by young leaders in Europe who are actively working to make agrifood systems more environmentally friendly. Key points discussed included the integration of modern technology with traditional practices, the need for comprehensive food education such as FoodEducators, and initiatives like Aroma vzw that combine social goals with sustainability. The event also covered the need for policies supporting these changes and concluded with an interactive Q&A session. (You can find further information about this event at FAO's website here.)
