Problem addressed

Food production methods and diet have a major impact on our health, on society and the environment. According to ADEME, diet accounts for between 20 and 50 % of the environmental footprint of the French population. Furthermore, diet is the leading risk factor for the loss of healthy life years, ahead of tobacco, as highlighted by Santé Publique France. Diet is a significant factor in health inequalities, which are linked to socio-spatial inequalities.

The lack of high-quality, affordable food shops in many working-class neighbourhoods increases the risk of food insecurity and health risks for their residents. In light of these findings, it is essential to tackle these inequalities and food waste, whilst raising awareness amongst citizens from a young age about the impacts of food. This approach aims to preserve our environment, protect our health and promote social justice.

Innovative solution

In collaboration with stakeholders in the school and out-of-school sectors, as well as local and national public authorities, l'école comestible offers a series of workshops on healthy and sustainable eating during school hours, mainly in priority neighbourhoods under the urban policy.

Each participating class takes part in 4 to 6 workshops a year, following a structured educational programme and the ‘La bouche pleine et les mains sales’ (Mouths full and hands dirty) methodology, based on hands-on learning (learning through handling, preparing and tasting) and working together (a sense of sharing and community). The workshops are structured around major cross-cutting themes: plants, the seasons, the plant life cycle, tastes and the senses, reducing food waste, world cuisines, etc.

L’école comestible bases its teaching approach on ecological, human and social values.

 

Key results and benefits

Since 2019, the association has built up a strong regional network comprising local and regional producers, associations that share its values, and public sector partners, including local authorities and schools. Thanks to this growing network, it has run more than 2,900 workshops, reaching over 20,000 children in 105 schools. L’école comestible also involves 150 dedicated volunteers.

Potential for mainstreaming

Founded in the Île-de-France region, the organisation is gradually mainstreaming its project to other regions, experimenting with different models: setting up local branches and sharing expertise with partner organisations, with the aim of maximising its social impact and extending this food education to children in other working-class neighbourhoods.