The SWITCH project in Sardinia is leading change in school canteens’ menus. Over the past year, four events have been held across the region, each one focused on raising awareness around sustainable food systems. The final event, hosted in the city of Iglesias on April 7th, marked a major milestone with a spotlight on an exciting and innovative concept: the “talking menus.”
Led by the Regional Agency LAORE, Sardinia’s SWITCH Hub introduced the concept of talking menus to bring health, sustainability, and education together on one plate. This initiative is possible through a collaborative effort with the Municipality of Iglesias, the local ASL (health authority), and the Biodiversity Gardens.
But what is a talking menu? It’s more than a list of what’s being served. Each menu is a storytelling tool, designed to connect students with the origins of their food. Through these menus, children learn about the local ingredients, the producers who grow them, and the traditions that shape Sardinian cuisine. The talking menu bridges nutrition, culture, and sustainability by making school lunches a learning opportunity. It’s a practical step toward fostering deeper food literacy among the younger generation and a clear example of how SWITCH is translating its goals into meaningful, local impact.