On June 16–17, 2025, we gathered online for the latest edition of the T-Lab workshops, organized by the Center for Systems Solutions as part of the Foodmission project. 

Over two inspiring and fast-paced days, participants — including food bank representatives, educators, social organizations, catering professionals, and mindful consumers — collaborated to explore how we can build a more sustainable food system. 

🌱 What is Foodmission? 

Foodmission is an international initiative aiming to create a digital platform rooted in citizen science. Its mission is to empower Europeans to make informed food choices, reduce food waste, and support a fair and healthy food system. 

The project supports the EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy and the European Green Deal. 

What makes Foodmission unique is its bottom-up approach: it’s being co-created by those who know food systems best — from activists and educators to producers, researchers, local officials, and end users. That’s where the T-Labs come in. 

📅 Day 1: What Needs to Happen for a Sustainable Food System? 

The first day focused on the backcasting method – planning “backwards from the future.” Participants created a shared vision of what a sustainable food system could look like in 2030, and then analyzed, and then mapped out the steps needed to make it a reality. 

Concrete ideas emerged: social education, legislative changes, support for local initiatives, and improved cross-sector cooperation. 

Key takeaway? Real change takes collective action — and the time to act is now. 

👥 Day 2: Who Will Use the Foodmission Platform? 

The second day focused on personas — fictional profiles of potential platform users. Participants created detailed character sketches, such as a sustainability-minded shopper or a parent looking for easy solutions, and asked: 

• What do these users need? 

• What might encourage or discourage them while using the platform? 

• What platform features would they find helpful? 

• How should we communicate with them? 

The discussion brought forward practical ideas for platform design, content, and user engagement — all aimed at making Foodmission accessible, intuitive, and impactful. 

✅ What’s Next? 

We wrapped up with a reflection and feedback session — and the response was overwhelmingly positive. The level of insight, collaboration, and energy demonstrated how powerful diverse perspectives can be when united by a common goal. 

The outcomes of both days will directly inform the ongoing development of the Foodmission platform. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us. Stay tuned for future workshops and updates! 

🔗 Learn more: https://crs.org.pl/foodmission 
📬 Contact us: michalina.kulakowska@systemssolutions.org