According to Eurostat, 9.5% of the EU population were unable to afford a meal containing meat, fish or a vegetarian equivalent every second day in 2023. Price is an increasing concern and obstacle for European citizens to access healthy food daily. Edenred, which operates in 45 countries, has been a dedicated advocate for access to food for over 50 years. As a keen observer of the evolving workplace and its needs, it has closely monitored changes in worker behaviors towards nutrition.
The FOOD (Fighting Obesity through Offer and Demand) Programme has notably been at the forefront of promoting healthier eating habits by encouraging balanced diets for lunch through various actions targeting both workers and restaurants. This initiative, coordinated by Edenred in collaboration with 18 public partners such as health authorities, nutritionists and universities from 10 EU Member States, is celebrating its 15th anniversary.
67% of restaurants find preparing balanced meals to be more expensive and 51% observed a decline in customers last year
Each year, the FOOD Programme assesses expectations, demands, and habits using its barometer. Its last edition, based on responses from 49,990 employees and 1,491 restaurant operators in 22 countries, reveals a continued focus on healthy eating. However, budget constraints arise as a significant barrier. The findings show that although 82% of workers are increasingly attentive to balanced food, 43% of them are prepared to cut their food budget in times of inflation. On the restaurant side, 67% find preparing balanced meals to be more expensive and 51% observed a decline in customers last year.
Access to nutrition is neither intuitive nor universal, and Edenred’s initiatives aim to bridge this gap
Edenred has been working with local authorities and schools in various countries to promote and support access to food.
During the 2020 COVID crisis, the UK Department for Education was able to provide weekly digital vouchers to parents of eligible children, ensuring access to meals during lockdown. This swift and efficient solution delivered £131 million worth of meals. Meanwhile, in Romania, the “Masa si Clasa” programme supports 50 public school principals in developing skills to attract European funding for healthier school meals. This initiative includes digital information and workshops to improve meal quality.
Such projects highlight the significant impact of targeted support in closing nutritional gaps
As food insecurity remains one of the most pressing global challenges, let’s make sure that the European Union keeps this question high of its agenda. The conference “Decent and healthy eating amid rising prices” to be held at the European Parliament on April 8th will be an occasion to learn more, share ideas, and take action to make food accessible to all. Don’t hesitate to register!
Find out more about the event and register here
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