Abstract:

International cooperation between educational institutions and external stakeholders has been a priority over the last decade and will continue to be a promising and growing tendency in a global society. Knowledge has no boundaries and the new educational models, supported by technological advancements, put considerable effort in integrative approaches and innovative and inclusive practices to reach diversified targets. One of the goals of international cooperation projects is to offer intellectual outputs that reflect a plural vision, that collect expertise and convey it through engaging formats, that are sensitive to local content but simultaneously flexible to adapt it to global audiences. This paper aims to report on the vision and mission of Fair Food for a Smart Life, an Erasmus+ international cooperation project dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of knowledge related to the Mediterranean Diet, a rich and multifaceted concept that goes far beyond what we eat. The project relies on the contribution of four different countries to prepare a set of ten courses distributed among fifty micro-training fiches in five languages, divided into basic and advanced levels, and offering consistent and evidence-based information. The outcomes of micro-training content on the Mediterranean Diet will impact directly vocational students in the areas of hostelry, hospitality and nutrition with modules dedicated to techniques of preservation, preparation and consumption of local products, but also other young targets and the population in general, with information on native food products, nutrition and food waste, highlighting the benefits of eating based on natural and nearby products. Moreover, the project includes an open-access knowledge repository that will work as a meeting point, where experts and newcomers can share content and experiences. Adapted to modern deliverables, Fair Food for a Smart Life micro-training solution is a practical and time-efficient methodology. The fact that the consortium gathers public and private learning providers, knowledge-based organizations and consultants, makes it possible to capitalize on sectorial, geographical, thematic and technical expertise. Besides, the ability to engage learners and society in general with a didactic and friendly format with high transferability potential is aligned with the need to apply innovative, digitally-enhanced practices in education. This glocal approach to the Mediterranean diet, with core knowledge on preservation, preparation and consumption techniques that can be geographically and culturally adjustable, will contribute to a much-needed improvement on public health, nutrition and sustainable environments.

Keywords:

International cooperation, Fair Food for a Smart Life, Mediterranean diet, micro-training, education.