Webinar, Zoom

On 23^rd July 2024, FoodStories conducted an online workshop focused on storytelling. Stories can humanise complex topics, making them more relatable and easier to understand. By simplifying ideas and reducing use of technical terms, storytelling also aids in comprehension and retention of knowledge. Engaging narratives can inspire interest, enhance empathy, and promote behaviour change. The workshop included four paired exercises designed to practice these storytelling techniques. Overall, the event highlighted the role of storytelling in communicating scientific concepts effectively to diverse audiences.

So, we would like to tell you a short story …

Once upon a time, food, nutrition, and data scientists faced a challenge. Every country had fragmented food information, making it hard to understand what was truly in their foods. Enter EuroFIR, the European Food Information Resource, a beacon of hope and collaboration, bringing together experts from across Europe. Armed with food composition tables, analytic knowledge, and determination, these researchers embarked on a quest to create more unified food composition databases. They standardised methods, introduced quality control, and harmonised datasets, weaving together a comprehensive map of Europe’s food landscape. A treasure trove of information revealed nutrients in thousands of foods, from apples to zucchini. This database – FoodEXPlorer – empowers researchers, dietitians and nutritionists, policymakers, and app developers using food data to help citizens make decisions about their food and EuroFIR is a shining example of what can be achieved when people unite. It is also a thriving legacy to more than 40 years of effort, growing continuously and guiding Europe towards understanding of the power of food and the choices we make that impact our health.