CASK

Initially focused on delivering a one-day training workshop for 10 FSIPs, the project garnered considerable interest, resulting in the participation of a much larger group of professionals from across Ireland. These FSIPs, representing a diverse range of eateries, including cafes, restaurants, and takeaway establishments, engaged deeply with the training, which empowered them to reimagine their menu offerings through the lens of sustainability. The workshop provided practical strategies for sourcing local ingredients, reducing reliance on imports, and promoting environmental responsibility within the food service industry.

The project’s digital output—a comprehensive cookbook and ingredient substitution guide—was another area where the CASK project exceeded its initial goals. Originally envisioned as a resource for 50 food outlets, the digital cookbook was distributed to over 100 establishments and widely shared online, with hundreds of downloads recorded in the first few months of its release. This resource not only showcased innovative climate-friendly recipes but also highlighted the importance of preserving local crops that form part of Ireland’s cultural heritage, providing practical ways to substitute imported ingredients with locally grown alternatives.

Moreover, the collaboration between Sonairte, EurAV, and MAICh flourished, leading to a robust network of stakeholders that included sustainable food producers, environmental experts, and FSIPs. The project also gained significant media attention, with features in both traditional and digital outlets, as well as widespread social media engagement. This publicity helped spark conversations about sustainable food practices in Ireland and beyond, inspiring further interest in local food systems.

The project’s success laid the foundation for future initiatives. The partnership with MAICh, in particular, proved invaluable, as it offered a scalable model for expanding the CASK project into a larger trans-European Cooperation Partnership. Discussions are already underway to extend the project’s framework to other European nations, where the unique blend of training, local collaboration, and environmental impact can be adapted to different culinary traditions and local conditions.

The project’s digital resources, far-reaching publicity, and international collaboration have set a strong precedent for future projects, making CASK a landmark achievement in sustainable food systems.