The Delicious Project has reached an important milestone. On May 8th, 2025, partners gathered in San Sebastián for the final General Assembly, hosted at the Basque Culinary Center. This event marked the conclusion of three years of work focused on children, food culture, and the promotion of healthier lifestyles through the Mediterranean Diet.
Reflecting on the journey
During the last meeting, the partners of the Delicious Project presented the final results of their collaboration. They reviewed updated KPIs, shared findings from case studies, and reflected on the dynamics that shaped the project’s success.
From the early design stages to co-creation sessions with children, every step showed how research, education, and tradition could come together. The reflections in San Sebastián highlighted the importance of teamwork across different cultures and disciplines. Schools, families, and researchers all played a role in building healthier environments for children.
These exchanges reminded everyone that the Delicious Project is not just about numbers. It is about changing behaviors, inspiring creativity, and reinforcing the value of the Mediterranean Diet as part of daily life.
Mediterranean diet at the core
The Mediterranean Diet stood at the center of every discussion during the final gathering of the partners. The project proved that traditional recipes can be reformulated to meet today’s needs without losing their essence. More than 90 recipes were adapted to be healthier, more sustainable, and appealing to children.
These recipes were not only tested in schools but also tasted and evaluated directly by children across five countries. Their feedback helped refine the dishes, making sure they were enjoyable as well as nutritious.
The Mediterranean Diet is more than food, it is a lifestyle. By focusing on local, seasonal, and simple ingredients, the project showed that culture and health can go hand in hand.
Visiting the Basque Culinary Center
A highlight of the final General Assembly was the visit to the Basque Culinary Center. This institution is a symbol of innovation and excellence in gastronomy, and it offered partners a unique opportunity to explore how creativity and education intersect.
Participants toured the facilities, learned about the history of the center, and observed how students work in practical classes. They also enjoyed a tasting session with dishes prepared by the students, reflecting the spirit of innovation and tradition that defines Mediterranean cuisine.
This visit was more than symbolic. It reinforced the link between culinary education and sustainable practices, and it reminded partners of the power of food as a tool for change.
Key lessons and future opportunities
The Delicious Project concluded with valuable lessons for the future. Among the main achievements were:
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The reformulation of Mediterranean recipes that combine taste, health, and sustainability.
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The development of digital tools for schools to plan healthier meals.
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The inclusion of physical activity programs to complement nutrition.
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The co-creation of snacks and meals with children to ensure their active involvement.
These outcomes show that children learn best when they are engaged directly. Cooking, tasting, and participating in the process makes healthy habits more likely to last.
The final GA underlined that the project’s results are not the end, but a beginning. The strategies tested in five Mediterranean countries can inspire new initiatives, both locally and internationally.
Final thoughts on Delicious
The Delicious Project closed with celebration, reflection, and hope. The final General Assembly in San Sebastián was more than a meeting, it was a collective statement that healthier futures are possible when tradition, science, and education come together.
The legacy of the Delicious Project will continue through schools, families, and communities, ensuring that the Mediterranean Diet remains alive, relevant, and inspiring for future generations.
Learn more about our journey and explore the tools, recipes, and results on our website: www.deliciousproject.eu
