On September 23rd, 2024, the WMFC Association Dinner brought together a vibrant community of experts from both academia and industry, marking a pivotal step toward the formal establishment of the WMFC Association. The evening was filled with delicious food, insightful discussions, and valuable networking opportunities. More than just a social event, the dinner exemplified the association’s commitment to fostering collaboration and sustainable food practices, setting the stage for exciting future initiatives.
At the core of the WMFC Association’s mission is the creation of a collaborative platform through its Association Day, where members can exchange knowledge and skills within a 'Community of Practice.' This platform is designed to cultivate an environment where innovative ideas can flourish. By connecting people from diverse fields, WMFC Association aims to inspire solutions to the pressing challenges of sustainable food production and healthy living.
Reflecting this spirit, attendees were treated to an inspiring presentation by Steef Buijs, who shared his insights on the future of the global agri-food system in relation to climate change. His talk left attendees with valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Another major highlight of the evening was the focus on the EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet1, part of Metropolitan Food Clusters’ (WMFC) and Giethoorn Hospitality’s (GH) shared commitment to promoting sustainable and healthy food practices. The dinner not only raised awareness about this important diet but also piloted an innovative business model that could revolutionize how healthy eating is promoted and funded. In this model, the cost of the Lancet diet was subsidized by pricing cultural foods2. Guests enjoyed the nutritious Lancet diet meal free of charge, with the option to make voluntary donations for cultural delicacies. This creative approach offers a glimpse into a future where healthy diets are more accessible.
Curated by Gabriella from GH, the dinner was a delightful journey through eight carefully crafted courses, each a celebration of both nutrition and creativity. Before the dinner started, some of the attendees joined the kitchen, rolling up their sleeves to help prepare dishes under the guidance of the chef. This collaborative effort turned the meal into a shared experience, where participants not only enjoyed the food but also contributed to its creation.
Throughout the evening, attendees had the chance to meet new people, reconnect with old acquaintances, and discuss various topics. The atmosphere was one of warmth and friendship, with conversations ranging from scientific insights to everyday experiences.
This dinner marked a pivotal step in the development and formal establishment of the WMFC Association, with exciting plans and programs on the horizon.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us and contributed to this special evening.
Additional information:
- The EAT-Lancet Commission's Planetary Health Diet is a global dietary framework designed to be both nutritious and sustainable. It emphasizes a balance of plant-based foods with limited intake of animal products, aligning human and planet health.
- Cultural food and drink offerings include traditional dishes and beverages from various regions, which may not fully align with the EAT-Lancet diet’s recommendations. These options may feature higher intakes of animal products and alcoholic beverages. For this WMFC dinner, we offered options that reflect Dutch food culture in autumn.