#Netherlands #Breda University #Breda #World Food Day #Food Research

Breda University Initiates Groundbreaking Food Research Project

On October 16, 2025, Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) announced an ambitious three-year research project focused on food, coinciding with World Food Day. Collaborating with the Louis Bolk Institute and Wageningen University & Research (WUR), along with several partners, BUas aims to investigate how dietary habits can be positively influenced within professional environments. The study will specifically examine how hospital cafeteria settings can encourage healthier and more sustainable food choices among staff and visitors alike.

The initiative, dubbed 'FUEL,' addresses a pressing global concern as countries grapple with rising obesity rates and chronic diseases while the climate crisis demands more sustainable food production and consumption practices. Michel Altan, a senior lecturer and researcher at BUas, highlighted the immense potential for corporate restaurants and hospital catering services to promote healthier choices. "Every day, millions are served in these settings, yet they often fall short of maximizing their potential to foster healthier eating habits. By changing this narrative, we can significantly impact health and sustainability. There remains a pervasive misconception that healthy food lacks flavor, which results in catering services often offering less healthy options than possible."

BUas intends to contribute to this groundbreaking research by developing data-driven strategies that extend beyond traditional informational campaigns. This international training institute will merge insights from behavioral science, nutrition, and organizational psychology to create effective interventions targeted towards better dietary habits. The research will encompass three key areas: strategic menu adjustments, intelligent communication, and incentive techniques that facilitate healthier choices.

A unique aspect of this project is its holistic approach; it not only examines the behavior of hospital catering staff but also investigates whether individuals continue to make healthier choices at home. Altan emphasizes the importance of these long-term behavioral changes, stating, "We will assess the effects that are essential for sustainable behavioral change."

Recognizing the vital role of restaurant staff in this process, BUas asserts that the success of promoting healthy food choices hinges on the acceptance and engagement of the service personnel. More organizations are waking up to the significance of healthy and sustainable food options. Previous research indicates that the involvement of employees in food production or procurement is crucial as their motivation, skills, and opportunities significantly impact the ability to encourage guests toward healthier dietary choices.

In response, BUas will develop practical tools and training courses designed to empower kitchen and service staff as 'agents of change' through knowledge, skills, and a supportive work environment.

Launching the project on World Food Day symbolizes its dedication to raising awareness about food security and healthy nutrition on a global scale. This internationally recognized day serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing food-related challenges and promoting good nutrition practices worldwide.

BUas stands as an internationally-oriented institution based in Breda, specializing in fields such as tourism, leisure, event management, hospitality, built environment, logistics management, game design, creative commerce, data science, and artificial intelligence. As this innovative project unfolds, it holds the potential to not only reshape dietary practices within workplaces but also set a precedent for future research and interventions geared toward healthier eating habits globally.