Project goal

The main goal of the project is to strengthen and increasing Nordic-Baltic youth collaboration on the theme of Nordic Food Culture and improving sustainable consumption between young people by promoting sustainable, green and healthy lifestyle and food habits by discovering Nordic Food Culture its traditions, recipes, developments and on the same time reducing overconsumption, reducing food waste and enhancing youth sustainable thinking. By this project we aim to increase knowledge of young people of their own Nordic Food culture and its traditions through food and collaboration, improve young people’s sustainable lifestyle habits and mindset and to raise awareness on the importance of achievement of UN SDGs and the need to reduce overconsumption and food waste, as it has a huge environmental and climate footprint.

Project target group

The target group is youth aged 14-31+ from Nordic countries+Estonia and representatives of educational institutions and local communities who support young people in their development.

What youth will gain and learn

Youth will learn a lot from Nordic food culture, which is known for its focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, as well as its emphasis on simple and healthy preparations. One important lesson is the value of sustainability and environmental consciousness. Nordic cuisine celebrates the use of locally sourced ingredients, which reduces the carbon footprint associated with food production and distribution. Additionally, young people will learn to appreciate the natural rhythms of the environment and the importance of respecting the earth’s resources and consumption.
Nordic cuisine is often associated with communal meals, where friends and family come together to share food and conversation. This promotes a sense of belonging and social cohesion that is important for young people’s mental health and well-being.

Project actions

• Local Workshops
• Two international trainings in Sweden and Estonia
• An international Conference and Nordic – Baltic Young Chef Competition – Award
• Project webpage with all educational materials

Project results

The project’s positive results and person-based improvements will impact three sustainability pillars: environmental, social, and economic.

• Young people will join a sustainability nonformal network of young activists promoting the importance of supporting sustainability in their own community and being agents of change who will build social cohesion within communities.
• Partners will spread the Nordic countries food culture, habits and sustainability approaches (reducing food wast, improving youth consumptions) experts and young people will share they skills and knowledge, professionalism and practical experience in Nordic Food culture and 17 sustainable development goals by promotion of local initiatives and raising awareness of importance of SDGs especially in to see green, competitive, and socially sustainable Nordic and Baltic Region.
• Each Individual will have the skills to meaningfully participate, spread, and protection own nature, health and sustainable way of living in a democratic society – increases their skills and knowledge of how to participate in a democratic society by promoting UN SDGs, green and sustainable lifestyle, reduce overconsumption and food waste, increase of healthily food and heritage of Nordic Food Culture, improve knowledge on gender roles (how to avoid gender-based stereotypes at home and empower men and women) to a new understanding of social roles and importance of diversity.
• Increased awareness and engagement towards sustainable living and sustainable choices among youth etc.
• Participants will gain positive experience in Nordic sustainable living and food recipes and exchange their experience and vision of a green future with each other, stakeholders, and mentors.
• Diverse communities work together around common agendas, building trust and positive perspectives on sustainability, community, healthy eating habits, & cultural heritage.
• Young people and Institutions will build social cohesion
• Nordic collaboration in sustainable living, consumption and cooking will boost young people’s self-esteem by providing a sense of accomplishment, creativity, independence, social connections, and purpose.

Project impact

The project seeks to have a broader public impact by creating a N-B Youth collaboration platform and meeting place to inspire and demonstrate necessary lifestyle changes. The project will raise awareness and engage communities on the issue of environmental, social and economic sustainability in a long-term perspective.