From research to action
The initiative began with FoodLinks, a phase focused on identifying the obstaclesthat hinder access to healthy and sustainable food. From these learnings , La Mesa was born, a social laboratory that brought together health professionals, social entities, public administrations, food specialists and neighborhood organizations to design solutions adapted to each territory.
This process gave rise to Albarrio, the practical application of the model developed during the previous phases.
A community model
Albarrio works with health professionals, schools, libraries, food shops, civic centers and neighborhood entities that act as trusted agents in their communities.
The methodology combines three elements: promoting healthy eating habits from the field of health, mobilising trusted community networks and bringing the local supply of healthy and sustainable food closer to citizens.
The pilot in Barcelona and its expansion
The model was tested between 2022 and 2025 in the neighbourhoods of Baró de Viver and Bon Pastor, in Barcelona, as part of the PANIS (Nutritional and Health Poverty in Barcelona) project. More than a hundred people and more than fifty organizations participated in its design and implementation.
After this experience, Albarrio began an expansion phase together with the Network of Municipalities for Agroecology. The project began to be implemented in Zaragoza, Vitoria-Gasteiz and Salobreña to adapt the methodology to different urban and rural contexts.
A contribution to food environments
Experience has shown the importance of working with trusted local networks to promote changes in eating habits and improve access to healthy and sustainable food. The Daniel and Nina Carasso Foundation supports this initiative within its Sustainable Food axis for its contribution to the development of healthier, more inclusive and replicable food environments.
