A new EU-funded study shows that what we eat – and the food environments that shape those choices – could dramatically reduce disease burden and environmental harm across Europe.
The Horizon Europe Plan’Eat project unveils first results: food environments and dietary shifts could dramatically reduce disease burden and environmental damage across Europe, with up to 89,000 healthy life years saved annually in Italy alone through dietary changes. Similar gains are projected in France and Sweden.
The research highlights that better-informed consumers aren’t enough; food environments, including availability, pricing, and social context, are critical to shaping diets. “Our diets are shaped by what’s available, affordable, and socially reinforced. If we don’t change our food environments, we cannot expect healthier choices,” said Professor Erik Mathijs, KU Leuven, lead author of the report. To help turn this potential into reality, Plan’Eat introduces a new methodology that empowers communities to co-create local food solutions — making healthier diets achievable where people live and shop. “The Living Lab toolbox helps communities implement real change with practical tools for stakeholder engagement,” adds Jana Kirschner, Senior Project Manager at EPHA.
Read the full press release to learn more.
Reports and tools
- Plan’Eat Project Deliverables
- Typology of EU Food Environments (PDF)
- Food Impact Synthesis Report (PDF)
- Living Lab Toolbox (PDF)
Spokespeople for interviews
- Jana Kirschner, Senior Project Manager, EPHA
- Prof. Erik Mathijs, KU Leuven
- Olivia Riemer, Project Coordinator, TMG
Note to editors
PLAN’EAT is a Horizon Europe research project focused on transition towards healthier, more sustainable food behaviours. It applies a systemic, co-creation approach at three levels: macro (food system), meso (food environment), and micro (individual). Running from 2022 to 2026, the project brings together 24 partners across 11 EU countries, combining expertise from social, political, economic, agricultural, nutritional, and health sciences. EPHA leads the creation and implementation of the Living Labs and runs a Brussels-based Policy Lab.