SOULFood in Malmö: Reflecting and planning the next phase
On June 4–5, 2025, the SOULFood partners gathered in Malmö, Sweden, for the second Transnational Project Meeting. This meeting was a key moment to reflect on the journey so far and to set the course for the next steps of the project.
The next activity marks the beginning of the development of online training modules, which will offer migrant women the opportunity to gain structured, accessible, and flexible training in culinary arts with the aim of supporting their professional integration into the food industry.
As SOULFood moves into its next phase, one thing is clear: it is a channel for self-expression, economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and social transformation.
When cooking becomes a bridge..
The SOULFood project, brings together partners from across Europe with a shared ambition: to support the social and professional integration of migrant and refugee women through cooking.
By placing culinary arts at the center of the project, SOULFood recognizes the transformative power of food as a tool for storytelling, skill-building, empowerment, and community connection.
Since its launch, the project has facilitated local cooking workshops in Italy, Greece, Sweden, and Spain, creating safe, creative spaces where women can showcase their cultural heritage while gaining visibility and confidence.
Highlights from the local activities
Across the four partner countries, pilot activities have allowed participants to engage with their communities, develop interpersonal and culinary skills, and imagine new pathways to personal and professional growth.
- S-Nodi – Turin, Italy
In Turin, S-Nodi organised two key events: a collaborative cooking session and a public cooking demonstration. These activities brought local residents and migrant women together in an environment of mutual exchange and discovery, showcasing not only recipes but also lived experiences.
- Mind2Innovate – Athens, Greece
In Athens, two activities were delivered: a hands-on cooking session followed by a shared community meal. These experiences served as powerful opportunities for cultural connection, boosting participants’ confidence while strengthening social bonds.
- IKF – Malmö, Sweden
IKF hosted a Lebanese-themed culinary event, featuring traditional dishes and a shared dining experience. Although logistical limitations prevented the delivery of full cooking workshops, the event was a rich intercultural encounter that gave voice to migrant women through food.
- Geinnova – Zaragoza, Spain
Geinnova conducted three thematic cooking workshops focused on Asian, Turkish, and Italian cuisine. These sessions allowed participants to explore diverse food cultures and improve their culinary skills.
Following the success of the in-person events, the SOULFood project is now entering an exciting new phase: the creation of an online training course, this educational pathway will consist of 10 interactive modules that offer more than just cooking instruction. It will be:
- Focused on practical culinary skills, including cooking techniques, nutrition, and food safety
- Enriched with citizenship education, cultural navigation and personal growth content
- Including soft skills development, such as communication, teamwork, and confidence-building
- Designed to improve digital literacy and help learners access online services
- Available in local languages to ensure accessibility and inclusion
What makes this training unique is its flexibility: participants can follow the modules at their own pace, and select those that best fit their current level, goals, and learning style. The goal is to open up new pathways to employment, confidence, and independence using food as a foundation.
With strong collaboration between partners, and growing engagement from local communities, the SOULFood project continues to build inclusive pathways for women who deserve recognition, opportunity, and a seat at the table literally and figuratively.
