As Europe moves towards a more sustainable future, they are determined to highlight an overlooked issue: food literacy among adults
As concerns increase about health, sustainability, and the environmental impacts of our food choices, there is an increased need for informed eating habits.
FoodUnfolded, an EIT Food initiative, is taking the following steps to address this challenge through an innovative series of in-person activities aimed at boosting food literacy among adults.
Understanding food literacy
Food literacy goes beyond just knowing what is healthy or how to cook. It is a comprehensive set of skills, knowledge, and values that empowers individuals to plan, select, prepare, and consume food in ways that are mindful of personal health, environmental sustainability, and ethical responsibility. Food literacy also helps people develop a lifelong, positive relationship with food.
Improving food literacy has numerous benefits. It not only supports individual and public health but also raises awareness about the ecological and social costs of intensive food production. By fostering a deeper understanding of the actual cost of food, including its environmental impacts and the hidden costs to healthcare and productivity, food literacy becomes a powerful tool for creating fairer and more sustainable food systems.
Reaching adults
To make food literacy more accessible and engaging, FoodUnfolded has launched a pilot initiative supporting ten organisations across Europe. These participants cover diverse sectors, including non-profits, universities, consultancy services, and media, and have been funded to deliver practical, in-person activities tailored to their local communities.
What makes this programme unique is its commitment to meeting people where they are. Rather than confining learning to classrooms or lecture halls, these activities are being brought to life in everyday settings, from music festivals and cultural events to sports arenas, university campuses, and food fairs. This approach is designed to connect with adults from all walks of life, using familiar spaces to spark meaningful conversations about food.
Connecting generations through collaboration
This new initiative also builds on the work of FoodUnfolded’s sister programme, FoodEducators, which has been focusing on improving food literacy among young people. Many of the resources developed through FoodEducators are now being adapted and integrated into adult learning activities, creating continuity in food education across age groups.
By connecting these two programmes, EIT Food is strengthening the foundation for a more informed and health-conscious society. The expansion into adult education not only complements the work already being done with younger generations but also reinforces the importance of lifelong learning in the pursuit of healthier lifestyles and sustainable food systems.
A big part of the FoodUnfolded’s mission is a simple but powerful belief: everyone in Europe deserves transparent and honest information about the food they eat. While digital content continues to play a vital role in spreading awareness, real-world engagement through public events offers a new opportunity to inspire lasting change.
By combining practical learning, cross-sector collaboration, and grassroots outreach, the FoodUnfolded in-person Food Literacy initiative is helping individuals make better food choices for themselves, their communities, and the planet.
