Why do we need a new food policy?
Climate change, civilisational development and technological advances have resulted in the need to fundamentally change the world's food systems. The global food system is currently responsible for the emission of 26 percent of greenhouse gases, for 70 percent of drinking water consumption and for 60 percent of biodiversity loss (1). Inappropriate consumption patterns of Europeans are the main cause of the mass incidence of civilisational chronic diseases (NCDs). The treatment of civilisational diseases and the resulting phenomenon of premature mortality leads to losses for the European economy estimated at EUR 115 billion per year (2).
The project is compliant with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda
The international consortium intends to implement the systemic promotion of healthy and sustainable lifestyles and nutrition, embracing the concept of sustainable development and a low-carbon economy.
The FEAST project, includes partners representing various scientific fields and disciplines, and working in various types of institutions (public, private and social ones). They have decided to comprehensively approach the challenge of analysing the eating behaviours of vulnerable social groups, taking into account geographical, socio-economic, behavioural, gender and cultural determinants. By “vulnerable social groups”, the project primarily means non-privileged groups, i.e. groups with unequal, relatively poor access to resources and/or with a relatively lower socio-economic status.
Scientists from the University of Lodz for senior citizens
The team from Lodz will focus on senior citizens – their eating patterns and special dietary requirements. The aim of the project, beyond the research, educational and training dimensions, is to develop recommendations in the field of food policy, especially in relation to care institutions for older people in Poland. Senior-Wigor adult day care centre in Tuszyn, which will function as a Living Lab for further research, workshop and implementation activities, has joined the cooperation with scientists.
The women’s Studies Centre (Faculty of Philology) is responsible for coordinating the FEAST project on the part of the University of Lodz. The team includes:
- Dr Aleksandra Różalska, Head of the team (Women’s Studies Centre, Faculty of Philology),
- Dr Kaja Zapędowska-Kling, Faculty of International and Political Studies,
- Dr Artur Modliński, Faculty of Management,
- mgr Emilian Gwiaździński, Faculty of Management.
The interfaculty and interdisciplinary nature of the team makes it possible for us to carry out a wide range of tasks entrusted to us. On behalf of the Women’s Studies Centre, I play an advisory role in the project. I provide advice on issues related to gender equality and social justice of the interventions and solutions which are being developed. I make sure that the gender perspective is included both in the research process itself and in the formulated guidelines and recommendations. Dr Zapędowska-Kling is responsible for direct contact with senior citizens, conducting workshops and training, diagnosing systemic barriers affecting the quality of elderly people's diet and testing innovative solutions on a local scale. Dr Artur Modliński and mgr Emilian Gwiaździński have extensive experience in the area of new technologies. In the project, they will have a look at the food system as an area of potential innovations, and will also support us in our tasks related to dissemination of project results.
– says Dr Aleksandra Różalska, project manager at the University of Lodz.
About the FEAST project
FEAST, which has a budget of EUR 13 million, is financed by the EU framework programme Horizon Europe (of that EUR 108 thousand is the budget for the University of Lodz). The international consortium, coordinated by the University of Heidelberg, brings together 35 partners from 15 member states of the European Union. The objectives of the project are in line with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the European Green Deal. The project will run until 1 July 2027. For more information about the consortium and the progress of its work, visit the project website.
At the beginning of October this year, the project consortium met in Heidelberg. We encourage you to watch the coverage of this event:
What is Horizon Europe?
The European Union Framework Programme Horizon Europe is the largest research and innovation programme in the history of the Union. Over 7 years (2021-2027), a total of EUR 95.5 billion will be allocated to innovative research and innovative solutions.
The structure of Horizon Europe is based on three essential, mutually supportive pillars, such as:
- Excellent scientific base
- Global challenges and European industrial competitiveness
- Innovative Europe
supplemented by an additional component, which is: Wider participation and strengthening the European Research Area. More information about the Horizon Europe programme is available on the website of the National Centre for Research and Development.
(1) Xu, X. et al. Global greenhouse gas emissions from animal-based foods are twice those of plant-based foods. Nat Food 2, 724-732; 10.1038/s43016-021-00358-x (2021).
(2) Lobstein, T. The language of obesity just makes matters worse. Nat Hum Behav 2, 165; 10.1038/s41562-018-0295-6 (2018).
Source: Dr Aleksandra Różalska, Dr Kaja Zapędowska-Kling; the National Centre for Research and Development
Edit: Promotion Centre, University of Lodz