Empowering Future Generations: A deep dive into Healthy Eating and Sustainable Food Practices

Following prosperous runs in Styria and Upper Austria, the “Austrian Consumer Dialogues” are set to return to the Salzburg region, specifically the cities of Salzburg and Hallein. This yearS focus is on fostering a deeper understanding of healthy eating habits and promoting sustainable food choices, particularly among children and adolescents. The event series, running from june 23rd to July 4th, will feature a diverse array of free activities, including lectures, workshops, and excursions, all designed to engage young minds and empower them to make informed decisions about their diets.

A Collaborative Effort for a Healthier Future

The non-profit federal Foundation Común is spearheading this initiative, working in close collaboration with the communities of Salzburg and Hallein, as well as over 35 partner organizations spanning business, academia, and civil society. This collaborative approach ensures a complete and multifaceted exploration of the issues at hand. For instance, universities from Vienna and Salzburg are contributing their academic expertise, while practical knowledge is being shared by organizations such as AMA Marketing, the Agricultural School of Klessheim (LFS), and local farmers. Media partners like Arte, along with social organizations like Tafel Austria and Volkshochschule Salzburg (VHS), are also playing a crucial role in disseminating facts and raising awareness.

Extensive Free Program Targeting Thousands of Children

Sebastian Bohrn Mena from the común Foundation emphasizes the breadth of the program, stating, We are very pleased that this time we can offer such an extensive program in Salzburg and hallein… From kindergarten to middle school, we can offer dozens of formats for thousands of children and parents free of charge and also provide tens of thousands of people with information. The program kicks off on June 25th and culminates on July 4th, offering a wide range of engaging activities.

many of the workshops and sessions will be held within educational institutions, with organizations like Gourmet Kids and the Chamber of Labor leading interactive learning experiences. Excursions are also planned, including visits to the Toihaus Theater, the water reservoir on the Mönchsberg, and local farms, providing hands-on learning opportunities. Public events include the opening at the Oval-Kino on june 25th, an AMA grill stand at the Salzburg City Festival from June 29th, and a closing event in Hallein on July 4th, where families will receive snacks as they begin their summer vacations, courtesy of Woerle & Stieglitz.

Government and Industry Support: Investing in Nutritional Literacy

Agriculture Minister Norbert Tettschnig highlights the importance of education in fostering healthy and sustainable eating habits. A healthy and sustainable diet begins with education – and this is exactly where the consumer dialogues start… children receive practical insights into the origin, quality, processing and preparation of our food – and thus learn a responsibility. This sentiment underscores the critical role of initiatives like the Consumer Dialogues in shaping future generations’ understanding of food systems.

Mayor Bernhard Auinger of Salzburg echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the program’s comprehensive approach: The consumer dialog 2025 bring a diverse program to sustainably sensitize children and adolescents to the enormously significant topic of healthy eating… It is indeed an offer for me that along with the children between the ages of three and 14, the parents and educators are also achieved.

Mayor Alexander stangassinger of Hallein emphasizes the broad relevance of the topic: Nutrition affects us in times of global challenges… The consumer dialogues show that a conscious examination of our consumption behavior not only has individual but also social effects… I cordially invite you to use the numerous offers and step into the dialogue together!

Call to Action: Participate and Learn

Details about the “austrian Consumer Dialogue” program, including a comprehensive brochure, can be found at consumer dialogue.at. Registration for activities is open to both educational institutions and individuals until April 15th. The dialogues are organized by Common Affairs GmbH,a subsidiary of the Común Foundation,which is dedicated to promoting awareness and knowledge transfer on ecological and social issues. To date, over 16,000 people have participated in these dialogues, including a significant number of children and young people.

The “Austrian Consumer Dialogues: Food” are supported by funding from the city of Salzburg (€10,000), the city of Hallein (€5,000), and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Regions and Water Management. The collaboration with various companies also enables the provision of these free educational opportunities.