3.5.2024 / General

Transforming Food Systems One Bite at a Time

Vegemi is on a mission to change the way children interact with food – a big mission for a small stomach bacteria! Fortunately the Vegemi team is a multi-disciplinary skilled and creative team, with a big passion for change. We believe in the importance of generating change at many levels within the food system, and the importance of the structures within which we work. 

 

Our commitment to holistic change is underscored by extensive research, policy insights, and strategic vision, as evidenced by The Lancet’s food systems infographic. Drawing inspiration from this, here’s a closer look at how Vegemi is driving transformative change within food systems.

The Lancet (2015)

 

Educating for Healthy Eating

At the heart of Vegemi lies education. Our mission is to empower children and their families with the knowledge and desire to embrace healthy food choices, particularly fruits and vegetables. Our educational approach is informed by nutritional science and the sensory food education model of the Sapere method. By integrating behavioural change theories such as self-efficacy, social learning, and gamification, Vegemi delivers engaging education with measurable impact.

 

Engaging All Stakeholders

Vegemi serves as a versatile tool that can be embraced by various stakeholders across the food ecosystem. From government agencies to food producers, schools, retailers, and individuals, Vegemi fosters collaboration and action. We partner with public health teams at governmental levels to address local and global challenges, offering practical solutions grounded in evidence-based policy recommendations. With food producers and retailers, we facilitate the transition towards marketing practices that promote healthy choices and ensure accessibility to nutritious foods. In schools and communities, we provide educational resources and support behavioural change initiatives.

 

Empowering Role Models and Influencers

Every bite taken by a child is a step towards a healthier future for all. Children wield immense influence as role models, influencers, and catalysts for change within their families and communities. By equipping children with food education and exposing them to a supportive food environment, Vegemi unleashes a ripple effect of positive change. Did you know that for every processed food swapped for an additional portion of fruits and vegetables, we can reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes in children by 25% and cut CO2 emissions by 98.45kg per child per year?

 

Driving Demand for Healthier Choices

Children empowered with effective food education are the key to cultivating a generation of mindful consumers. As awareness grows and preferences shift towards healthier options, the demand for nutritious foods in retail and dining establishments surges. With Vegemi’s influence, healthier choices rightfully claim their place as the cornerstone of all food environments.

 

In conclusion, Vegemi stands as a beacon of hope in the quest for healthier, more sustainable food systems. Through education, collaboration, and empowerment, we pave the way for a brighter, healthier future for generations to come.

 

Vegemi was founded in Finland, and also partakes in collaboration with the SSO supermarket chain.

The project is financed as part of the measures implemented by the European Union due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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