Mood4food

The “Mood4food” Erasmus+ youth exchange was held on the island of Sint Maarten in the Netherlands, hosted by the LOVE 2 LEARN Foundation. The project brought together 31 young people from Sint Maarten, Croatia, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Spain to explore the relationship between healthy living, culinary culture, and sustainable living.

Throughout the program, which ran from November 1–7, 2024, participants engaged in interactive activities that promoted healthy lifestyles, developed responsibility for sustainable living, and supported active citizenship.

The project used cooking as a fundamental tool for non-formal education. Participants prepared quick and healthy meals inspired by their own countries' cuisines; they gained awareness of the importance of local products, sustainable consumption, and the environmental impact of lifestyle choices.

One of the key outcomes of the project was the creation of collaborative recipe books. This work demonstrated how culinary traditions can serve as a powerful bridge in intercultural communication. Participants also developed skills in initiative, teamwork, and international collaboration.

The program created a strong space for intercultural learning, in addition to culinary studies. Participants shared their cultural heritage through presentations, traditional songs, dances, and games at cultural evenings. Young people from diverse backgrounds living and working together in a shared community environment contributed to the establishment of lasting international ties and strengthened a sense of belonging to the European community.