From January to June 2025, chefs, community workers and local residents from the neighbourhood centres of Casablanca, Sint-Maartensdal, Mannenstraat, and ’t Lampeke will put healthy and sustainable food into practice through local activities. The initiative is led by Leuven 2030 and the European FEAST project, in collaboration with partners including SAAMO, the City of Leuven, and KU Leuven. On the 27th of April, neighbours came together in the Sint-Maartensdal community centre to enjoy a delicious plant-based meal, prepared by the local kitchen team and caterer Foodatelier César.

What we eat deeply affects both our health and the climate. Yet healthy, sustainable food isn’t equally accessible to everyone. There’s a clear paradox in today’s food system: the cheapest options are often high in sugar and fats, making healthy choices harder to come by.

Through workshops and community activities, the FEAST consortium in Leuven is working to make nutritious and climate-friendly food more accessible and appealing.

“Good, healthy, sustainable food is a cornerstone of a good, healthy, sustainable life,” explains Marie Mauer, FEAST project coordinator at Leuven 2030. “The best part? Seeing participants with smiles on their faces. But what sets this project apart is not only the activities, but the cross-sector collaboration. Together with ten Leuven-based partners, we’re focusing on three key themes: health, sustainability and community."

In early 2025, Leuven 2030 and SAAMO will organise a series of events. Foodatelier César, along with Gezond Leven and local health centre Caleido, will offer hands-on workshops where chefs, residents and community workers pick up practical skills and ideas for healthier cooking. An online platform will help community workers across different organisations share knowledge and good practices. KU Leuven, meanwhile, is researching how smart communication can support healthier food choices.“

This ties in perfectly with our city’s food strategy, ‘Voeding Verbindt’,” says Thomas Van Oppens, Leuven’s alderman for Agriculture and Consumption. “We’re encouraging a return to good, honest food: meals made with fresh, local, seasonal produce. That’s not only better for our planet, it also supports our local farmers.”

Healthy, sustainable food for everyone

“Food really does make a difference to how people feel – physically and mentally,” says alderman for Care and Wellbeing Bieke Verlinden. “That’s why we focus on projects that don’t just inform, but also inspire people to try it for themselves. In our community kitchens, people cook together, try new things and discover how rewarding healthy cooking can be.”

Good, healthy, sustainable food is a cornerstone of a good, healthy, sustainable life

“When people cook and eat together, they’re doing more than just preparing a meal – they’re building community,” adds aldorman for Community Work and Poverty Reduction Lothe Ramakers. “This project doesn’t just make healthy food more accessible; it makes it social and inclusive too.”

Come share a meal and a chat in your local centre

On 24 April, the kitchen team at Sint-Maartensdal and Foodatelier César served up a healthy and hearty meal for the neighbourhood. In the coming weeks, community centres in Casablanca, Mannenstraat and ’t Lampeke will host similar events. Residents can sign up via their local community workers.