Sustainable Food Laboratory

AlimenTerra, a network of European organizations committed to developing a sustainable European food system has published a portfolio of initiatives. From 140,000 meals a day in Rome to 15,000 in Appleton, Wisconsin (USA) and 180 in Montmeyran (France); from working with regional organic producers to develop supply chains in Andalusia, to sourcing Fair Trade products in Genoa and using traditional breeds and varieties produced by local farmers in Ancona (Italy); from stakeholder-run initiatives such as Wholeschool meals in the UK to international contract caterers like Avenance in Italy- the initiatives featured in this publication, cover the breadth and depth of recent initiatives to make public and institutional food more sustainable.

One-off, occasional, regular or daily meals, produced in-situ or in central kitchens; all sustainable ingredients or as much as you can afford or can be supplied; initiatives which cover all these options have been interviewed in the preparation of this guide. Universities, primary and secondary schools, hospitals and care homes are all featured. The table of contents includes short summaries of each initiative to help you choose the ones most relevant to your interest or needs

A key element of the Dossier are the service and support organisations that provide facilitation, training, technical, information and education services are playing an increasing role in ensuring the success of individual initiatives and the spread of associated best practice. From Appetit 22 in Brittany, France, to East Anglia Food Link in the UK, Ekocentrum in Sweden, Sotral in Italy and Sustainable Food Systems in the USA.

The geographical spread of initiatives helps to show that initiatives occur in all climates and cultures from Andalusia to Sweden and the mid-west of the United States; from more remote rural areas such as Åre in Sweden and the Embronais in France to metropolitan projects in London, Malmö and Florence. This dossier is just a taster of what is happening across Europe and the USA, dip in and enjoy the variety and depth of achievement.