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This summer, young people from Latvia, Poland, Spain, and Italy came together in Mallorca to live the FOODCARE experience — a journey that combined education, tradition, creativity, and community action. As FOODCARE Ambassadors, we explored how food connects us to the environment, culture, and each other.
We began on 3rd August 2025 with a deep dive into the FOODCARE Methodology, learning from the didactic materials and exploring the ten topics that link food and the environment. This first step was not only about understanding the project’s goals but also about finding our own voices as youth ambassadors. Through discussions and storytelling, we started shaping how we want to inspire change in our communities and how we can communicate the FOODCARE values in a way that speaks to young people.
Food, however, is never just food — it carries history, culture, and family traditions. That is why, in the second stage of our journey, we celebrated cultural heritage by preparing traditional dishes from each of our countries. From Spain’s delicious gaspcho and tortilla de patatas, to Poland’s comforting racuchy and kotlety schabowe, Italy’s beloved gnocchi alla sorrentina, and Latvia’s amazing khlodny sup, every dish told a story of roots, identity, and togetherness. By filming our cooking process, we turned these moments into videos that highlight how traditional food can be a bridge between generations and a way to protect cultural heritage in a sustainable way.
Our final step took us outside, into the heart of Palma de Mallorca, on 5th August 2025, where we brought FOODCARE closer to other young people. With fresh fruit from local markets in our hands, we stopped youngsters on the street and invited them to join us in short interviews. We asked about their eating habits, favorite foods, and shared fun facts about seasonal and “0 km” products. These conversations showed how small actions — like choosing local and seasonal food — can build healthier habits and protect our planet.
Feedback of the FOODCARE Ambassadors:
We felt that this experience was not only educational but also deeply personal. We especially enjoyed the street interviews, as they gave us the chance to connect directly with people, listen to different perspectives, and practice sharing FOODCARE’s values in real conversations. Cooking together and tasting each other’s traditional dishes created a strong sense of unity — even though we come from different countries, the kitchen became a space where we felt connected, curious, and inspired by one another’s cultures. Preparing these meals also allowed us to discover the family stories and cultural heritage behind each dish, giving us a deeper appreciation of our traditions and how food carries identity across generations. For us, these were the moments when the project truly came alive.
From exploring theory, to cooking traditions, to engaging with the public, our experience as FOODCARE Ambassadors has been a journey of learning and empowerment. We discovered that food is not only about nutrition — it is a powerful tool for cultural exchange, sustainability, and youth engagement. Together, as young people from four different countries, we proved that when we share knowledge, stories, and meals, we also share responsibility for a healthier and more sustainable future.