Blog

Food as a Catalyst in Research Design for the Cultural and Creative Sector
As a part of CIRCE program, Ieva Miltina developed a research project that originated in one of the findings of Netfork for Impact report. Initially, it was found that food encompasses a high potential to

What can we learn about sustainability through activities that involve food? Case studies of SAPERE and Food Choices for a Healthy Planet game
Food serves as more than just a subject; it acts as a catalyst for addressing intricate challenges in contemporary society. Initiatives targeting environmental sustainability, social inequalities, and the future of food have already commenced to

How Can Food Fit Into Design Thinking? Exploring the Social Impact Perspective
Design thinking has emerged as a popular problem-solving approach across various industries. By prioritizing user needs and empowering individuals to develop creative solutions, design thinking has the potential to drive innovation and social impact. However,

Feeding connections: unleashing food’s power to bridge gaps and spark conversations in youth and social impact work
One of the primary hurdles in youth work and social impact initiatives is the formidable task of connecting with the most vulnerable groups, often coinciding with those that are the most difficult to engage. These

6 principles that facilitators can teach about reducing food waste through food-related activities.
This trendy approach is gradually gaining prominence, even among professionals in the food and beverage industry. It highlights the significance of minimizing food waste, making it a primary principle to embrace. In practical workshops and

How can we use the tactile and tangible qualities of food in facilitating activities for social impact? Case study of bread therapy.
Food plays central role in any human’s existence, and therefore is obviously a powerful medium also in social impact activities. But besides the power to connect and nourish, it possesses these physical qualities that entice

9 life skills that cooking teaches
Cooking is a beautiful process, that involves patience, sharing and it teaches a lot: what life skills? Let’s see it together Eating is for everybody, but cooking is only for those who like it or

Food as a medium to discuss sex positivity
Food and sex: can the two topics be related? How many aspects do they have in common? Sex can be a taboo: for many reasons, that we do not discuss here, it has been put

Food as a tool of learning through intercultural evenings in international projects
International projects are beautiful, for many reasons. But many participants love the intercultural evening and consider it the highlight of the project: let’s find out why! Intercultural evenings are some of the activities most appreciated

How can food help us to foster connections
Everybody understands language food and you can use it to build a bridge between yourself and the others Our everyday life is mostly made of connections: can food help us to foster connections with the

Community kitchen and how they enhance our sense of belonging and alleviating the feeling of isolation
Every community brings individual to be part of something bigger. But, what happens when you add the power of language food to the one of creating a community? Cooking together is one of the emblems

The Joy of Neighborhood Cooking Events
In an era characterized by rapid urbanization and digital connectivity, the sense of community can sometimes be overlooked. Yet, a simple act like sharing a meal has the power to bring neighbors closer and foster

Garden Therapy Workshops: Cultivating Wellness and Inclusivity for People with Disabilities
Garden therapy workshops are emerging as powerful interventions that provide individuals with disabilities an opportunity to connect with nature, cultivate new skills, and experience a range of physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits. These workshops offer

Unveiling the Future of Food: Harnessing Insights with Tarot Card Facilitation
The future of food is a topic of immense complexity, encompassing trends, technologies, environmental considerations, societal shifts, and much more. As researchers and experts delve deeper into this intricate realm, they are often met with

Harnessing Fermentation and Foraging Workshops for Health, Well-being, and Environmental Connection
In a world characterized by fast-paced living and processed foods, a growing movement is emerging that seeks to reconnect individuals with the environment while fostering physical and mental well-being. Practice-oriented workshops centered around fermentation and

Exploring Culinary Creativity: Cooking and Baking Workshops Turn Food into Artistic Paint
In the world of artistic expression, boundaries are constantly being pushed and redefined, an intriguing trend that has emerged in recent years is the fusion of culinary art and traditional painting techniques. Cooking and baking

The Power of Food Conversations and Knowledge in Shaping Sustainable Societies
Food, beyond its nutritional value, holds the key to addressing pressing global challenges. As changemakers and workshop facilitators, delving into discussions about food systems and building knowledge can ignite transformative shifts in society’s unsustainable habits.

Which aspects of food bring social impact in youth work?
Researching hundreds of different initiatives and concepts during our Europe-wide report on food-related facilitation techniques that aim for positive social change has given a rather clear picture on the ways how qualities of food can

Navigating the Future of Food Through Innovative Facilitation Approaches
In an era marked by environmental concerns, technological advancements, and evolving consumer preferences, the future of food holds significant promise and challenges. Facilitators and changemakers play a pivotal role in driving positive social impact within

Incorporating Food into Learning Environments: Enhancing Education and Nurturing Change
In recent years, the concept of education has expanded beyond traditional classroom boundaries. A growing body of research highlights the powerful role that food can play in enhancing learning environments. For changemakers and workshop facilitators,

Community Food Gardening as a Catalyst for Social Transformation
In the pursuit of sustainable and inclusive communities, the power of community food gardening shines as a great tool for driving meaningful social change. For changemakers and workshop facilitators, harnessing the potential of these gardens

Sensory Aspects of Food in Workshops for Social Impact
Food is a sensory experience that transcends mere sustenance; it’s a potent tool that can be used to achieve social goals through workshops and community activities. For changemakers and workshop facilitators, integrating the sensory aspects

Common Themes Highlighted by Food-Related Facilitation Techniques
The intrinsic connection between food and human life necessitates a closer examination of the diverse topics that food-related activities can address. This exploration not only underscores the versatility of food but also offers a wellspring

Food’s Potential to Drive Social Impact
Blending food with organized activities opens doors to impactful changes in both individuals and communities. This article highlights how food-related activities hold the potential to achieve specific social goals, demonstrating how food acts as a

The power of collective kitchens
Canadian researchers Engler and Berenbaum have been exploring social benefits of organizing collective kitchens – cooking programs in which small groups of people cook in bulk. Collective kitchens operate in communities across Canada.There are over

Virtual team building through food? Yes, thats possible!
The pandemic brought different challenges including a question how to facilitate interactive and dynamic meetings using digital tools. If you want to nurture less formal relationships among members of some online group – food can

4 fun activities for team building in Christmas
We are often looking for new ways to make festivities more fun. If you are looking for ideas to bring some unusual experiences and better connection to the teams and groups you are working with

Team building with help of food – ideas for fun activities
Food brings people together, sparkles fun and fosters deeper connections. And these are just some of the many reasons to incorporate food in team building activities. Below you will find our three favourite ideas how