Cultivating Healthy Futures: Learning Sustainable Food and Agriculture in Gijón

The Erasmus+ Mobility of Youth Workers project “Legacy of the Soil: Sustainable Agriculture and Safe Food” (Project No. 2024-3-ES02-KA153-YOU-000260774) brought together participants from Turkey, Spain, Hungary, Poland, and Iceland in Gijón, Spain, from 28 April to 5 May 2025. Hosted by Generaciones Saludables España and attended by Green Behavior Youth Organization, the programme created a dynamic environment for exploring healthy nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and safe food practices through experiential and intercultural learning.

Participants examined the links between climate change, food production, and human health, discovering how conscious dietary choices can reduce environmental impact. Creative poster-making activities transformed this knowledge into public awareness campaigns, enabling the group to communicate the values of sustainable food systems and the Erasmus+ programme to the local community while strengthening teamwork and artistic expression.

Practical sustainability was further reinforced through guided cycling sessions and an in-depth exploration of organic food. The active mobility workshop highlighted low-carbon transportation as a healthy lifestyle choice, while discussions on organic farming deepened understanding of environmentally responsible production methods and their benefits for ecosystems, soil quality, and personal well-being.

Hands-on learning flourished as participants crafted seed balls and explored nature-friendly cultivation techniques before collaborating in an intercultural bread workshop. By preparing traditional breads from each participating country, they experienced the value of local ingredients, food heritage, and the joy of sharing nutritious meals, while gaining confidence in preparing wholesome food with simple and sustainable resources.

Reflection and cultural exchange completed the learning journey. Through structured evaluation activities and a vibrant intercultural evening featuring stories, foods, dances, and greetings from each country, participants consolidated their knowledge, strengthened international friendships, and left with a renewed commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture and safe food within their own communities.