SAPIENS Network ESRs as MSCA Ambassadors

On May 23, Chiara Falvo (ESR15) took on the role of a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Ambassador as part of the SAPIENS Network project. Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs) are encouraged to visit local schools to present the SAPIENS Network project and their research, and share their journey towards becoming scientists.

Chiara’s visit to a public primary school in Turin was driven by her research focus on sustainable public food procurement for schools. The visit was integrated into a broader food education course that the school has been conducting throughout the year.

The session with the fourth-grade students, approximately 18 children aged 9-10 years, spanned an hour and a half and was divided into three interactive moments. Chiara began by introducing her work within the MSCA SAPIENS Network project, emphasising how the European Union research funding supports the transition to sustainable food systems and enhances the quality of public catering and school canteens.

Engaging Dialogue: Students’ Canteen Experience

To engage the students, Chiara facilitated a discussion about their experiences with the school canteen. Each student used post-it notes to anonymously share what they liked and disliked about their canteen, which were then posted on the classroom walls and discussed collectively. This activity revealed some interesting insights: students expressed concerns about the taste of certain dishes and the noise levels during mealtimes. On the positive side, they enjoyed traditional favourites like pizza and spaghetti with tomato sauce, and appreciated the opportunity to socialize and the cafeteria decor.

Understanding Sustainable Development Goals

In the next part of the session, Chiara introduced the concept of sustainable development and its relevance to school canteens. She explained how public canteens contribute to various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as providing access to adequate and nutritious food, supporting children’s health, and enhancing their learning process (Goals 1, 2, 3, 4). She also discussed the environmental impact of food production and distribution, including on resource use, biodiversity, and emissions contributing to climate change (Goals 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15). The class also reflected on the social value of the canteen as a space for socialisation, inclusion (Goal 10), and education, where students learn and develop good habits that will benefit them throughout their lives (Goal 3).

Imagining a Sustainable Menu

Chiara presented different types of diets and their impacts on human and environmental health. She then guided the students through an exercise to brainstorm ideas for a sustainable canteen menu. This activity helped students understand the link between food choices and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of a diverse diet and showcasing that many tasty dishes can be both environmentally friendly and healthy.

Finally, Chiara addressed the issue of food waste, suggesting practical ways to reduce it both at school and at home. Tips included serving smaller portions with the option for seconds, avoiding excessive snacking before meals, and encouraging students to try new foods to expand their palates. The students eagerly shared their ideas and were excited to learn new practices to minimize waste.

A Holistic Approach to School Mealtimes

The session highlighted the need for a holistic approach to school mealtimes. Beyond the quality and taste of the food, the overall experience and enjoyment of school meals is influenced by the ambiance of the canteen and the interactions among students, food servers, and teachers.

Chiara’s role as an MSCA Ambassador allowed her to share her passion for sustainable food systems and highlighted the importance of involving young minds in sustainability discussions, empowering them to contribute to positive change.

Continuing the Conversation

Engaging students in dialogue and incorporating their feedback into the design of school meals can significantly improve the well-being of children, the planet, and society.