Our Food Our Future - Shift

"<< Background >>The project addressed a significant social issue related to food waste, confirmed by the Supreme Audit Office (NIK) report from 2021. Research indicated that the largest percentage of wasted food came from households (as much as 60%), highlighting an urgent need for social education and information campaigns focused on rational food management. Additional motivation was provided by an online survey conducted by partner organizations, revealing that many young people regularly waste food due to improper shopping habits, poor storage practices, cooking overly large portions, or discarding ready-made meals. The project responded to the need to change attitudes and habits regarding food management, develop social and digital competencies among youth, and counteract disinformation. An important aspect was also the need to include people with fewer opportunities, raise awareness within local communities, and activate young people to engage in environmental protection and responsible consumption. As a result of international cooperation, the project aimed to create universal educational tools that could be implemented in various environments to effectively combat food waste.<< Objectives >>Through the implementation of the project, we aimed to:- Build the capacity of organizations and target groups to change harmful attitudes and habits related to food waste, through cross-sectoral cooperation (education, commerce, agri-food production, policymakers).- Support the development of young people in social skills, particularly in the context of rational food management and fact-checking.- Raise public awareness and project participants’ awareness of food waste prevention and the implementation of local solutions.- Reduce food waste in households and communities.- Activate young people to take action for environmental protection and develop their leadership skills.- Promote the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly responsible consumption and production, and climate action.- Create a lasting and effective international partnership.- Develop concrete results such as: an informational and educational campaign, a survey on eating habits, the animation ""The Great Food Shift!"", educational materials, and recommendations for policymakers to effectively influence the reduction of food waste in local communities.<< Implementation >>Workshops ""How to Act Effectively on Social Media"". They were held in Thessaloniki, Greece. Fact-Checking Academy. An online initiative aimed at young people aged 13 to 30, focused on developing a critical approach toward emerging information and sources.Informational and Educational Campaign ""Respect for Food"". Conducted both offline and online. Survey on Food Waste BehaviorA study on behaviors related to food waste in households and selected determinants of such behaviors. The research was conducted among young adults (18–30 years old) from three European countries: Poland, Italy, and Greece. Training on Food Production, Consumption, and Climate Change Held in Avola, Italy. Consultation Cycle Conducted both offline and online, during which we developed an e-book designed to inspire action. The e-book includes five workshop scenarios aimed at raising awareness and skills related to food waste reduction, as well as recommendations for policymakers.Dissemination Events for Project Results. As part of this activity, an international online conference and three local meetings targeted at young people were held.<< Results >>Soft outcomes:- Increased awareness among participants and local communities regarding the causes, effects, and prevention methods of food waste.- Development of digital and communication skills through activities on social media, the creation of educational content, and participation in workshops.- Acquisition of fact-checking and critical thinking skills, especially in the context of information about food, ecology, and a healthy lifestyle.Tangible (hard) outcomes of the project:- Strategy for the ""FOOD DESERVES A RESPECT"" Campaign;- Animation ""The Great Food Shift"";- Informational and educational campaign;- Project website: https://respectforfood.com/;- International photography competition;- Research report on food waste behaviors in households and their selected determinants;- E-book ""Food Waste in Households – Diagnosis and Recommendations"", including five workshop scenarios;- Three brochures with good practices on food waste prevention in Poland, Italy, and Greece;- 20 popular science and opinion articles of an educational and informative nature;- 12 posters illustrating a more sustainable future for food;- Online sustainable food map."