Abstract:

Following recent university reforms, higher education institutions face the challenge of enhancing teaching quality by implementing student-centred methodologies that foster greater academic commitment. Service-learning (SL) has emerged as a particularly effective pedagogical framework to meet this objective. This paper presents the "Héroes con delantal" (Heroes with Aprons) project, an interdisciplinary SL initiative designed to create synergies between different academic disciplines while integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the teaching-learning process.

The project is implemented across two distinct courses: "Kitchen Equipment and Facilities" (Degree in Gastronomy and Culinary Arts) and "Integrated Management and Industrial Safety" (Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering). The partner social entity is Alicante Gastronómica Solidaria (AGS), a non-profit organisation that prepares and distributes approximately 4,000 weekly meals to vulnerable populations throughout the Alicante province. By collaborating with AGS, the project promotes solidarity, sustainability, and social inclusion among students, addressing core academic pillars such as food safety, quality management, and process optimisation.

The methodology involves site visits where students engage directly in meal preparation alongside volunteers, gaining first-hand insight into the logistics of large-scale collective catering. Subsequently, classroom-based sessions focus on the digitalisation of raw material reception and storage control using bespoke digital tools. Furthermore, Master’s students apply Lean Manufacturing principles—specifically the "7 Wastes" and "5S" methodologies—to identify and mitigate inefficiencies regarding food waste, staffing, and time management.

Participation in this project enables students to develop essential professional competencies, including the capacity for analytical synthesis, ethical decision-making, and the management of human resources under strict safety and environmental criteria. The project’s outcomes will be disseminated through a documentary video on YouTube, a formal presentation at the AGS facilities, and press releases to local media, highlighting the impact of academic knowledge when applied to social causes.

Keywords:

Service-learning, lean management, gastronomy.