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Short abstract:

Workshop with video and participants' interaction

Abstract:

The Castelo Branco´s Living Lab cultivates a culture of food innovation and strengthens the city's connection with its food ecosystem.Here, we showcase how food innovation can serve to promote local and seasonal products. The local agrofood technology center (CATAA), one of the local partners of FUSILLI, leverages its food technology units to create and characterize new food products and innovative recipes. These products are then introduced to the citizens through monthly exhibitions at the municipal market and participation in food sector fairs and other events. Such initiatives not only highlight the potential of local and seasonal ingredients but also foster connections between producers and consumers. This approach was made to empower the consumers with knowledge to make informed choices for their health. Other initiatives of the Living Lab also highlighted the implementation of new school gardens and the improvement of already existing ones. Through educational activities and hands-on activities evidenced by the duplication of the number of school gardens and high adhesion on food producing workshops.Involving younger generations not only to influence the behaviour of these future consumers but also to act as a catalyst for shaping the attitudes of their families. Children can serve as effective messengers of new learnings, spreading awareness about sustainable practices and healthy eating habits. Overall, Castelo Branco stands as a pilot city, showcasing the importance of leveraging innovation in food and food production practices to tackle challenges and drive the change for a better and more resilient city´s food system.