Editor\u2019s Note: According to the European Commission<\/em>, over 57 million tonnes of food are wasted annually in Europe, contributing to approximately 16 per cent of the total greenhouse gas emissions generated by Europe\u2019s food system. With households responsible for up to 50 per cent of this waste, are there sustainable solutions that could help the continent reduce its environmental footprint? This piece highlights initiatives from young innovators across Europe working to make this happen while also helping the continent build and improve food safety and security.<\/em><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\nEurope\u2019s food system is getting a much-needed shake-up, and young innovators are leading the charge. The\u00a0Menu for Change Challenge, powered by\u00a0EIT Food, the Seeding The Future Foundation and the Young Professionals Platform (YPP)\u2014which includes\u00a0YPARD, APPatEIT, and EIT Food Alumni\u2014has just announced its winners. These trailblazing teams are bringing fresh ideas to the table, tackling sustainability, food waste<\/a> and accessibility challenges with bold, actionable solutions.<\/p>\nGreenovators<\/strong>\u00a0(Turkey)<\/h2>\nSustainable cafeteria sourcing<\/strong><\/p>\nImagine university cafeterias that don\u2019t just feed students but also educate them about\u00a0sustainable food choices. That\u2019s the vision of\u00a0Raife Kotzaoglan, Rajabi Armineh and Bilge Colak, the minds behind\u00a0Greenovators. Their project transforms university dining halls into\u00a0eco-friendly food hubs, reducing their environmental footprint while equipping students and staff with\u00a0practical sustainability knowledge.<\/p>\n
The Menza Collective<\/strong>\u00a0(Czech Republic and Germany)<\/h2>\nGreening university cafeterias<\/strong><\/p>\nTaking sustainable sourcing a step further,\u00a0Martin Richter, Lisa Maike Buss and Luisa Pereira Goss\u00a0are investigating\u00a0how universities can make smarter food procurement decisions. Through research at CZU Prague, they\u2019re exploring how students, staff and faculty\u00a0perceive and influence sustainability policies. Their findings will\u00a0shape future procurement contracts, leading to\u00a0healthier, more sustainable menus\u00a0in educational institutions.<\/p>\n
Alnarp\u2019s Agroecology Farm<\/strong>\u00a0(Sweden)<\/h2>\nBuilding a student-run, sustainable farm<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/farmingfirst.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Screenshot-2025-03-05-at-10.51.38\u202fam.png\")
<\/figure>\nCould a 2,200-square-meter student-run farm provide food for dozens of families while doubling as an educational hub? Mariana Alejandra Rorero Gonzalez, Marie-Claire Feller and Marie Ingrid Svedhem believe so. Their CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture) model at Alnarp\u2019s Agroecology Farm already supports over 60 households and serves as a \u201cliving lab\u201d for agroecological practices. The team offers internships, workshops and partnerships to grow a self-sustaining, climate-smart food community.<\/p>\n
Agroboros<\/strong>\u00a0(Netherlands)<\/h2>\nReconnecting children with agriculture<\/strong><\/p>\nFarming isn\u2019t just about producing food\u2014it\u2019s about education. Esteve Simon David Helias, Paula Daniela Orduz Ramos and Sarah-Maria Scheid are closing the growing disconnect between young people and agriculture. Through immersive summer programs for children aged 3-10, Agroboros fosters environmental awareness, ecological identity and social-emotional intelligence\u2014creating future stewards of sustainable food systems.<\/p>\n
NutriFood<\/strong>\u00a0(Germany)<\/h2>\nBringing beans to the table\u2014sustainably<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/farmingfirst.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Screenshot-2025-03-05-at-10.52.11\u202fam.png\")
<\/figure>\nProtein innovation takes centre stage with\u00a0Enock Wasonga Omanga, Evance Odhiambo Ochola and Joshua Ojwodhi Ouko, the team behind\u00a0NutriFood. Their project\u00a0revolutionises plant-based protein\u00a0with\u00a0pre-cooked, dehydrated beans, offering a\u00a0nutrient-rich, convenient and sustainable alternative\u00a0to animal products. By partnering with\u00a0regenerative farms, NutriFood supports\u00a0soil health, carbon sequestration and sustainable agriculture.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s Next?<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe journey for these winning teams is just beginning! Each team receives a\u00a0\u20ac5,000 grant\u00a0to bring their projects to life, but beyond funding, they will also benefit from an\u00a0intensive mentorship and training program\u00a0designed to equip them with the skills needed to scale their impact.<\/p>\n
As part of the\u00a0Young Professionals Platform (YPP), YPARD and\u00a0EIT Food Alumni\u00a0will play a crucial role in shaping the mentorship and training modules. These sessions will cover essential topics like:<\/p>\n
Greenovators<\/strong>\u00a0(Turkey)<\/h2>\nSustainable cafeteria sourcing<\/strong><\/p>\nImagine university cafeterias that don\u2019t just feed students but also educate them about\u00a0sustainable food choices. That\u2019s the vision of\u00a0Raife Kotzaoglan, Rajabi Armineh and Bilge Colak, the minds behind\u00a0Greenovators. Their project transforms university dining halls into\u00a0eco-friendly food hubs, reducing their environmental footprint while equipping students and staff with\u00a0practical sustainability knowledge.<\/p>\n
The Menza Collective<\/strong>\u00a0(Czech Republic and Germany)<\/h2>\nGreening university cafeterias<\/strong><\/p>\nTaking sustainable sourcing a step further,\u00a0Martin Richter, Lisa Maike Buss and Luisa Pereira Goss\u00a0are investigating\u00a0how universities can make smarter food procurement decisions. Through research at CZU Prague, they\u2019re exploring how students, staff and faculty\u00a0perceive and influence sustainability policies. Their findings will\u00a0shape future procurement contracts, leading to\u00a0healthier, more sustainable menus\u00a0in educational institutions.<\/p>\n
Alnarp\u2019s Agroecology Farm<\/strong>\u00a0(Sweden)<\/h2>\nBuilding a student-run, sustainable farm<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/figure>\nCould a 2,200-square-meter student-run farm provide food for dozens of families while doubling as an educational hub? Mariana Alejandra Rorero Gonzalez, Marie-Claire Feller and Marie Ingrid Svedhem believe so. Their CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture) model at Alnarp\u2019s Agroecology Farm already supports over 60 households and serves as a \u201cliving lab\u201d for agroecological practices. The team offers internships, workshops and partnerships to grow a self-sustaining, climate-smart food community.<\/p>\n
Agroboros<\/strong>\u00a0(Netherlands)<\/h2>\nReconnecting children with agriculture<\/strong><\/p>\nFarming isn\u2019t just about producing food\u2014it\u2019s about education. Esteve Simon David Helias, Paula Daniela Orduz Ramos and Sarah-Maria Scheid are closing the growing disconnect between young people and agriculture. Through immersive summer programs for children aged 3-10, Agroboros fosters environmental awareness, ecological identity and social-emotional intelligence\u2014creating future stewards of sustainable food systems.<\/p>\n
NutriFood<\/strong>\u00a0(Germany)<\/h2>\nBringing beans to the table\u2014sustainably<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/figure>\nProtein innovation takes centre stage with\u00a0Enock Wasonga Omanga, Evance Odhiambo Ochola and Joshua Ojwodhi Ouko, the team behind\u00a0NutriFood. Their project\u00a0revolutionises plant-based protein\u00a0with\u00a0pre-cooked, dehydrated beans, offering a\u00a0nutrient-rich, convenient and sustainable alternative\u00a0to animal products. By partnering with\u00a0regenerative farms, NutriFood supports\u00a0soil health, carbon sequestration and sustainable agriculture.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s Next?<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe journey for these winning teams is just beginning! Each team receives a\u00a0\u20ac5,000 grant\u00a0to bring their projects to life, but beyond funding, they will also benefit from an\u00a0intensive mentorship and training program\u00a0designed to equip them with the skills needed to scale their impact.<\/p>\n
As part of the\u00a0Young Professionals Platform (YPP), YPARD and\u00a0EIT Food Alumni\u00a0will play a crucial role in shaping the mentorship and training modules. These sessions will cover essential topics like:<\/p>\n
Imagine university cafeterias that don\u2019t just feed students but also educate them about\u00a0sustainable food choices. That\u2019s the vision of\u00a0Raife Kotzaoglan, Rajabi Armineh and Bilge Colak, the minds behind\u00a0Greenovators. Their project transforms university dining halls into\u00a0eco-friendly food hubs, reducing their environmental footprint while equipping students and staff with\u00a0practical sustainability knowledge.<\/p>\n
The Menza Collective<\/strong>\u00a0(Czech Republic and Germany)<\/h2>\nGreening university cafeterias<\/strong><\/p>\nTaking sustainable sourcing a step further,\u00a0Martin Richter, Lisa Maike Buss and Luisa Pereira Goss\u00a0are investigating\u00a0how universities can make smarter food procurement decisions. Through research at CZU Prague, they\u2019re exploring how students, staff and faculty\u00a0perceive and influence sustainability policies. Their findings will\u00a0shape future procurement contracts, leading to\u00a0healthier, more sustainable menus\u00a0in educational institutions.<\/p>\n
Alnarp\u2019s Agroecology Farm<\/strong>\u00a0(Sweden)<\/h2>\nBuilding a student-run, sustainable farm<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/figure>\nCould a 2,200-square-meter student-run farm provide food for dozens of families while doubling as an educational hub? Mariana Alejandra Rorero Gonzalez, Marie-Claire Feller and Marie Ingrid Svedhem believe so. Their CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture) model at Alnarp\u2019s Agroecology Farm already supports over 60 households and serves as a \u201cliving lab\u201d for agroecological practices. The team offers internships, workshops and partnerships to grow a self-sustaining, climate-smart food community.<\/p>\n
Agroboros<\/strong>\u00a0(Netherlands)<\/h2>\nReconnecting children with agriculture<\/strong><\/p>\nFarming isn\u2019t just about producing food\u2014it\u2019s about education. Esteve Simon David Helias, Paula Daniela Orduz Ramos and Sarah-Maria Scheid are closing the growing disconnect between young people and agriculture. Through immersive summer programs for children aged 3-10, Agroboros fosters environmental awareness, ecological identity and social-emotional intelligence\u2014creating future stewards of sustainable food systems.<\/p>\n
NutriFood<\/strong>\u00a0(Germany)<\/h2>\nBringing beans to the table\u2014sustainably<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/figure>\nProtein innovation takes centre stage with\u00a0Enock Wasonga Omanga, Evance Odhiambo Ochola and Joshua Ojwodhi Ouko, the team behind\u00a0NutriFood. Their project\u00a0revolutionises plant-based protein\u00a0with\u00a0pre-cooked, dehydrated beans, offering a\u00a0nutrient-rich, convenient and sustainable alternative\u00a0to animal products. By partnering with\u00a0regenerative farms, NutriFood supports\u00a0soil health, carbon sequestration and sustainable agriculture.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s Next?<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe journey for these winning teams is just beginning! Each team receives a\u00a0\u20ac5,000 grant\u00a0to bring their projects to life, but beyond funding, they will also benefit from an\u00a0intensive mentorship and training program\u00a0designed to equip them with the skills needed to scale their impact.<\/p>\n
As part of the\u00a0Young Professionals Platform (YPP), YPARD and\u00a0EIT Food Alumni\u00a0will play a crucial role in shaping the mentorship and training modules. These sessions will cover essential topics like:<\/p>\n
Taking sustainable sourcing a step further,\u00a0Martin Richter, Lisa Maike Buss and Luisa Pereira Goss\u00a0are investigating\u00a0how universities can make smarter food procurement decisions. Through research at CZU Prague, they\u2019re exploring how students, staff and faculty\u00a0perceive and influence sustainability policies. Their findings will\u00a0shape future procurement contracts, leading to\u00a0healthier, more sustainable menus\u00a0in educational institutions.<\/p>\n
Alnarp\u2019s Agroecology Farm<\/strong>\u00a0(Sweden)<\/h2>\nBuilding a student-run, sustainable farm<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/figure>\nCould a 2,200-square-meter student-run farm provide food for dozens of families while doubling as an educational hub? Mariana Alejandra Rorero Gonzalez, Marie-Claire Feller and Marie Ingrid Svedhem believe so. Their CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture) model at Alnarp\u2019s Agroecology Farm already supports over 60 households and serves as a \u201cliving lab\u201d for agroecological practices. The team offers internships, workshops and partnerships to grow a self-sustaining, climate-smart food community.<\/p>\n
Agroboros<\/strong>\u00a0(Netherlands)<\/h2>\nReconnecting children with agriculture<\/strong><\/p>\nFarming isn\u2019t just about producing food\u2014it\u2019s about education. Esteve Simon David Helias, Paula Daniela Orduz Ramos and Sarah-Maria Scheid are closing the growing disconnect between young people and agriculture. Through immersive summer programs for children aged 3-10, Agroboros fosters environmental awareness, ecological identity and social-emotional intelligence\u2014creating future stewards of sustainable food systems.<\/p>\n
NutriFood<\/strong>\u00a0(Germany)<\/h2>\nBringing beans to the table\u2014sustainably<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/figure>\nProtein innovation takes centre stage with\u00a0Enock Wasonga Omanga, Evance Odhiambo Ochola and Joshua Ojwodhi Ouko, the team behind\u00a0NutriFood. Their project\u00a0revolutionises plant-based protein\u00a0with\u00a0pre-cooked, dehydrated beans, offering a\u00a0nutrient-rich, convenient and sustainable alternative\u00a0to animal products. By partnering with\u00a0regenerative farms, NutriFood supports\u00a0soil health, carbon sequestration and sustainable agriculture.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s Next?<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe journey for these winning teams is just beginning! Each team receives a\u00a0\u20ac5,000 grant\u00a0to bring their projects to life, but beyond funding, they will also benefit from an\u00a0intensive mentorship and training program\u00a0designed to equip them with the skills needed to scale their impact.<\/p>\n
As part of the\u00a0Young Professionals Platform (YPP), YPARD and\u00a0EIT Food Alumni\u00a0will play a crucial role in shaping the mentorship and training modules. These sessions will cover essential topics like:<\/p>\n
<\/figure>\nCould a 2,200-square-meter student-run farm provide food for dozens of families while doubling as an educational hub? Mariana Alejandra Rorero Gonzalez, Marie-Claire Feller and Marie Ingrid Svedhem believe so. Their CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture) model at Alnarp\u2019s Agroecology Farm already supports over 60 households and serves as a \u201cliving lab\u201d for agroecological practices. The team offers internships, workshops and partnerships to grow a self-sustaining, climate-smart food community.<\/p>\n
Agroboros<\/strong>\u00a0(Netherlands)<\/h2>\nReconnecting children with agriculture<\/strong><\/p>\nFarming isn\u2019t just about producing food\u2014it\u2019s about education. Esteve Simon David Helias, Paula Daniela Orduz Ramos and Sarah-Maria Scheid are closing the growing disconnect between young people and agriculture. Through immersive summer programs for children aged 3-10, Agroboros fosters environmental awareness, ecological identity and social-emotional intelligence\u2014creating future stewards of sustainable food systems.<\/p>\n
NutriFood<\/strong>\u00a0(Germany)<\/h2>\nBringing beans to the table\u2014sustainably<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/figure>\nProtein innovation takes centre stage with\u00a0Enock Wasonga Omanga, Evance Odhiambo Ochola and Joshua Ojwodhi Ouko, the team behind\u00a0NutriFood. Their project\u00a0revolutionises plant-based protein\u00a0with\u00a0pre-cooked, dehydrated beans, offering a\u00a0nutrient-rich, convenient and sustainable alternative\u00a0to animal products. By partnering with\u00a0regenerative farms, NutriFood supports\u00a0soil health, carbon sequestration and sustainable agriculture.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s Next?<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe journey for these winning teams is just beginning! Each team receives a\u00a0\u20ac5,000 grant\u00a0to bring their projects to life, but beyond funding, they will also benefit from an\u00a0intensive mentorship and training program\u00a0designed to equip them with the skills needed to scale their impact.<\/p>\n
As part of the\u00a0Young Professionals Platform (YPP), YPARD and\u00a0EIT Food Alumni\u00a0will play a crucial role in shaping the mentorship and training modules. These sessions will cover essential topics like:<\/p>\n
Farming isn\u2019t just about producing food\u2014it\u2019s about education. Esteve Simon David Helias, Paula Daniela Orduz Ramos and Sarah-Maria Scheid are closing the growing disconnect between young people and agriculture. Through immersive summer programs for children aged 3-10, Agroboros fosters environmental awareness, ecological identity and social-emotional intelligence\u2014creating future stewards of sustainable food systems.<\/p>\n
NutriFood<\/strong>\u00a0(Germany)<\/h2>\nBringing beans to the table\u2014sustainably<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/figure>\nProtein innovation takes centre stage with\u00a0Enock Wasonga Omanga, Evance Odhiambo Ochola and Joshua Ojwodhi Ouko, the team behind\u00a0NutriFood. Their project\u00a0revolutionises plant-based protein\u00a0with\u00a0pre-cooked, dehydrated beans, offering a\u00a0nutrient-rich, convenient and sustainable alternative\u00a0to animal products. By partnering with\u00a0regenerative farms, NutriFood supports\u00a0soil health, carbon sequestration and sustainable agriculture.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s Next?<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe journey for these winning teams is just beginning! Each team receives a\u00a0\u20ac5,000 grant\u00a0to bring their projects to life, but beyond funding, they will also benefit from an\u00a0intensive mentorship and training program\u00a0designed to equip them with the skills needed to scale their impact.<\/p>\n
As part of the\u00a0Young Professionals Platform (YPP), YPARD and\u00a0EIT Food Alumni\u00a0will play a crucial role in shaping the mentorship and training modules. These sessions will cover essential topics like:<\/p>\n
<\/figure>\nProtein innovation takes centre stage with\u00a0Enock Wasonga Omanga, Evance Odhiambo Ochola and Joshua Ojwodhi Ouko, the team behind\u00a0NutriFood. Their project\u00a0revolutionises plant-based protein\u00a0with\u00a0pre-cooked, dehydrated beans, offering a\u00a0nutrient-rich, convenient and sustainable alternative\u00a0to animal products. By partnering with\u00a0regenerative farms, NutriFood supports\u00a0soil health, carbon sequestration and sustainable agriculture.<\/p>\n