EU-Funded CULTIVATE Project to Launch Food-Sharing Compass Platform
Efforts to build more sustainable and equitable urban food systems are reaching a new milestone with the upcoming launch of the Food-Sharing Compass. Developed through the European Union-funded CULTIVATE project, the free online platform is scheduled to be unveiled on November 19, 2026, during the project’s final event in Brussels.
Organised by the CULTIVATE initiative, which has studied urban food-sharing models since 2023, the closing event aims to transition project resources, data, and networks to the wider public. Stakeholders including food-sharing practitioners, municipal officers, academic researchers, and community members are gathering at Comet Louise for the hybrid gathering titled Helping food sharing thrive: introducing the CULTIVATE food sharing compass platform.
Understanding the Food-Sharing Compass
The core feature being introduced is the Food-Sharing Compass, a digital tool designed to consolidate five distinct resources into a single interface. Project organisers report that the platform helps users navigate available materials and understand how different components of food sharing connect. By centralising these assets, the platform seeks to support individuals and organisations working to expand local food distribution and reduce waste.
The morning sessions of the November event will feature panel discussions with representatives from the European Commission, academic institutions, organisations such as Slow Food, and municipal leaders from cities including Milan and Utrecht. These discussions will examine how collaborative food networks can influence broader urban sustainability and fairness.
Interactive Workshops and Community Collaboration
Following the morning presentations, in-person participants will engage in structured afternoon workshops across three themed rooms. These sessions are intended to translate project findings into practical applications:
- Translating evidence-based research into municipal policy
- Identifying and connecting with potential operational partners
- Evaluating how food-sharing initiatives can be adapted for local communities
The day will conclude with a Food Sharing Community World Café, providing an open forum for attendees to exchange insights and discuss the future of the movement as formal project funding concludes.
Project Background and Next Steps
Launched in 2023, the CULTIVATE project was established to examine how fragmented food-sharing activities could evolve into a more cohesive and connected movement. Project leaders intend for the newly released platform and its associated tools to serve as a sustainable resource for communities long after the formal conclusion of the EU-backed initiative.
Registration for the hybrid event remains open, with in-person attendance confirmed by the organisers following the application process. Public access to the Food-Sharing Compass and associated project materials will be managed through the official CULTIVATE channels following the official launch.
