As part of the Soulfood project, the consortium partners gathered in Milan for a Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) hosted by Fondazione S. Carlo. The meeting provided an important opportunity to reflect on progress, strengthen collaboration, and align on the next steps of the project.
During the TPM, partners discussed recent developments across work packages, exchanged feedback, and agreed on the forthcoming phases of implementation. The meeting took place in a warm and collaborative atmosphere, enriched by small but meaningful gestures that fostered a sense of togetherness.
Sharing panettone, a symbol deeply connected to Christmas and Italian traditions of care and community, offered a moment of informal exchange alongside structured discussions.
While in Milan, the project consortium also visited Refettorio Ambrosiano, a place internationally recognized for its innovative approach to food, dignity, and social inclusion.
Founded through the collaboration between Caritas Ambrosiana and renowned chef Massimo Bottura, Refettorio Ambrosiano was created to address food waste while simultaneously challenging traditional models of social assistance. Rather than functioning as a conventional soup kitchen, it reimagines food as a cultural, social, and relational experience, placing dignity, beauty, and respect at the center.
This philosophy strongly resonates with the core values of the Soulfood project. Both initiatives view food not only as nourishment, but as a powerful tool for connection, inclusion, and shared responsibility within communities. The visit offered an inspiring example of how values-driven approaches can translate into concrete social impact.
The Milan meeting marked an important milestone combining strategic coordination with meaningful exchanges rooted in shared values. With strong alignment among partners and key outputs nearing completion, the project now moves confidently into its next phase.
