EFDN’s Role in the CUES Project: Using Football to Promote Sustainable Food Systems

EFDN’s Role in the CUES Project: Using Football to Promote Sustainable Food Systems

EFDN recently participated in a two-day CUES (Consumers’ Understanding of Eating Sustainably) project meeting in Leuven, Belgium, hosted by KU Leuven University. The event brought together project partners to discuss progress, share best practices, and plan the next steps in this ambitious initiative aimed at creating a sustainable food system.

The meeting began with an overview of the eight work packages, with each lead presenting updates on achievements and future priorities. A key session focused on the Communication and Dissemination Plan, highlighting the need for coordinated communication across the consortium, supported by guidelines and quality management plans.

During the Best Practice Session, EFDN showcased the Community Climate Captain project, demonstrating how football can serve as a powerful tool for social change and sustainability. Alongside partners like ICLEI, OPENDOT, and EIT Food, EFDN shared insights that reinforced the value of collaboration and innovative approaches within the CUES project.

The day concluded with a Steering Committee session, focusing on project calibration and preparations for the upcoming General Assembly, ensuring all partners are aligned towards the project’s goals.

Day two featured specialised workshops for Work Package 3 (Co-designed solutions for food value chain change) and Work Package 4 (Co-designed solutions for cultural change), and training session on focus group management. The meeting concluded with a social visit to the Sint-Jan Evangelistkerk abbey, followed by a debrief from the Advisory Board, offering valuable feedback and insights to guide the project forward.

EFDN is proud to be a partner in the CUES project, using the power of football to promote sustainable change. Through collaboration and knowledge sharing, EFDN continues to contribute to building healthier and fairer communities across Europe, demonstrating football’s unique role in fostering sustainability.