Project in brief
The Mediterranean Diet is widely recognized for its health benefits but changing eating patterns have led to a decline in adherence. This trend is particularly evident among adolescents, who have moved away from traditional foods towards a more Westernized diet. Addressing these changes is essential to preventing unhealthy lifestyles and the development of noncommunicable diseases in adulthood. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to promote healthy eating habits through education and tailored interventions.
Project objectives
PROmedLIFE aims to reverse the decline in adherence to the Mediterranean diet pattern, adopting four lines of intervention:
- Identifying socio-economic, cultural and personal factors driving consumers in adopting a healthy Mediterranean lifestyle;
- Promoting tailored and country-specific actions using “learning through play and living labs approaches” targeting high school students and their families/carers;
- Creating and testing new healthy snacks based on traditional Mediterranean premium ingredients;
- Valorizing local Mediterranean products through the development of food labelling using innovative tools to increase people’s connection with their cultural and local heritage and improve their awareness of food healthy choices.
Impact
PROmedLIFE will address the negative consequences of human health from consuming low-quality meals using a holistic approach based on the valorization of traditional Mediterranean products with a strong cultural connection to specific Northern and Southern areas. The project will also promote the sustainability of high-quality food along the food value chain due to cooperation between research organizations and businesses. In addition, it will promote innovative, short supply chains by supporting the sourcing of raw materials from local areas and ensuring products possess recognized traceability. Lastly, it will create conditions for the sustainable development of the cross-border territory, varieties, agricultural practices, and adaptation to climate change.
Funding
This project has received funding from the PRIMA programme supported by the European Union | Grant agreement No 2132
Team
In collaboration with FEM Sensory Quality research group
- Lara Fontana
- Isabella Endrizzi