Practical pathways and shared learnings: reflections on the FoodCLIC Consortium Meeting and mid-term workshop in Berlin

In October 2024, Humboldt University of Berlin hosted the FoodCLIC Consortium Meeting and mid-term workshop, uniting researchers, food system experts, international organisation representatives, project partners and delegates from FoodCLIC’s Pilot and Broadening city-regions across Europe and Africa. Spanning four days, the event emphasized mutual exchange, the long-term sustainability of real-life interventions, and – as it marked the halfway point of the project – also practical considerations such as the refinement of tools and frameworks to drive systemic change and foster integrative policymaking in food systems.

Inclusive engagement with vulnerable groups

The face-to-face event provided a platform for the FoodCLIC partners to discuss complex issues and to align their progress and strategies. A major focus of the workshop was the empowerment and active involvement of marginalized groups to ensure that theirperspectives shape the project’s so-called ‘real-life Interventions’ (RLIs). In sessions dedicated to inclusivity, participants shared strategies for building trust and co-designing solutions with food-deprived communities, schoolchildren, and the elderly. Key takeaways included:

• Engaging community ambassadors to connect with underrepresented populations.
• Joining existing community events to align interventions with familiar settings.
• Managing expectations to maintain trust and continuity.

Sustaining long-term impact and scaling real-life interventions

Closely linked to the challenge of actively involving certain population groups and residents of a city-region is also the question of the longevity of initiatives, beyond the project duration. In this regard, the midterm workshop encouraged reflection on the long-term sustainability of FoodCLIC’s real-life interventions. Discussions centred on how to extend the lifespan and reach of successful interventions by:

• Building collaborative business models that include community voices and entrepreneurial expertise.
• Securing dedicated policy frameworks and funding lines to institutionalize efforts.
• Adopting a culture of learning to iterate and improve interventions based on successes and challenges.

A core theme was balancing the immediate goals of short-term interventions with the larger vision of systemic transformation. Participants emphasized the importance of tailoring solutions to local contexts to maximize both impact and relevance.

Practical tools for decision-making

As FoodCLIC reached its halfway point in 2024, the project partners also used the get-together in Berlin to discuss very practical questions that usually arise during the implementation, practical tools and guidelines. For example, participants tested the Food Sustainability Tool, which can be used to assess greenhouse gas emissions associated with food-related activities and therefore supports decision-making at local level.

Other sessions provided hands-on insights into reflexive learning and scientifically correct baseline monitoring, enabling Living Lab representatives (coordinators) to refine their approaches to engaging with local communities in the framework of their interventions and as a key part of their work. These practical discussions underscored the project’s commitment to offering actionable solutions and replicable frameworks.

Peer learning across regions and projects

Collaboration and peer learning were at the heart of the workshop, with representatives from FoodCLIC’s newly selected Broadening city-regions, AfriFOODLinks, and FUSILLI joining the meeting in Berlin and contributing to a rich exchange of experiences. In interactive sessions organised like small marketplaces, FoodCLIC’s Living Labs were able to pitch the status of their work, highlighting the diversity of the approaches and showcasing how each region adapted interventions to their unique social, economic, and cultural contexts.

Interactive panels and discussions further explored how lessons learned could be shared and scaled across regions while respecting local nuances. These discussions benefited from the expertise of FoodCLIC’s Think Tank and Stakeholder Advisory Board members, enhancing the collaborative atmosphere. The common spirit of mutual learning reinforced the idea that systemic food system change requires shared knowledge and co-creation.

Berlin’s food environment: learning from practice

One highlight of the four-day programme was certainly the site visits, organised by the Berlin Food Council, to various ‘hotspots’ of the Berlin food ecosystem. The curated site visits offered a mix of practical and thought-provoking experiences:

• At Kantine Zukunft, participants learned how sustainable procurement and menu design can transform institutional food services and canteen culture.
• The SuperCoop (cooperative supermarket) offered a compelling model of community ownership and engagement.
• The Berliner Tafel (food bank) demonstrated efficient logistics for addressing food waste and supporting vulnerable populations.
• The community gardens tour explored urban green spaces like Princess Gardens and Tempelhof Airport Commons.
•  These site visits exemplified the workshop’s commitment to grounding theoretical discussions in real-world practices.

Looking Ahead: towards sustainable and inclusive food systems

As the FoodCLIC project moves into its second half, the Berlin workshop served as a powerful reminder of the value of collaboration, inclusivity, and practical solutions. It highlighted the FoodCLIC project’s unique ability to bridge diverse perspectives, from grassroots interventions to global policy frameworks. As the consortium moves forward, the lessons from Berlin will undoubtedly shape its collective impact. We thank all participants, organizers, and stakeholders who made this event an inspiring success!

Stay connected for updates and reflections from participants on LinkedIn  and subscribe to the FoodCLIC Newsletter for more insights into the project’s progress and future milestones.

Publishing date: 29 November 2024