From Pitch to Plate: CUES Project Links Football with Sustainable Food
Alongside its Football for Climate Justice project, EFDN plays an active role in the CUES (Consumers’ Understanding of Eating Sustainably) initiative, which aims at building sustainable food systems across Europe.
In September 2024, EFDN attended a two-day CUES project meeting in Leuven, Belgium, joining forces with partners including KU Leuven University, ICLEI, and EIT Food. The CUES initiative aims to promote sustainable food consumption and production practices, encouraging a shift towards healthier, environmentally friendly choices. During the meeting, participants reviewed progress on key aspects, such as a Communication and Dissemination Plan designed to enhance collaboration and community engagement across all project partners.
During the meeting, EFDN showcased its Community Climate Captain project, highlighting football’s potential as a tool for social change and environmental awareness. This project complements the broader efforts of the Football for Climate Justice initiative, which encourages clubs across Europe to adopt eco-friendly practices and engage fans in climate justice activities. Clubs like FC St. Pauli and Werder Bremen have already participated, demonstrating how football can address both ecological and social challenges.
The second day of the meeting focused on workshops to identify practical solutions for improving food systems. By uniting football clubs, sustainability organisations and local communities, the CUES project aims to make sustainable living more accessible and achievable. EFDN’s involvement in both CUES and Football for Climate Justice underscores its commitment to building healthier communities across Europe.