WFF Argentina Youth Chapter marks Sustainable Gastronomy Week through food, sport and cultural heritage

On 17 June 2026, the World Food Forum (WFF) Argentina Youth Chapter celebrated Sustainable Gastronomy Week by organizing "Food in the game: alimentando el juego". Held under the theme "Celebrating Food Heritage”, the event brought together young people, families, athletes, chefs, health professionals, educators, agrifood experts and local institutions to demonstrate how sustainable gastronomy and traditional food heritage can promote healthier lifestyles, strengthen cultural identity and inspire more responsible food choices. Through dialogue, education and shared meals, the event connected food, sport, culture and wellbeing through a community-centred programme.

More than 200 participants attended the event, reflecting strong community interest. The opening ceremony featured representatives from the Professional Gastronomic Council of the Americas (CPGA), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), La Rural and Club Universitario de Berisso.

The event featured two multidisciplinary panel discussions. The first, "Knowledge and human performance", explored the relationship between nutrition, health, ancestral knowledge and athletic performance.

As part of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, the event highlighted the contribution of Indigenous women as custodians of traditional agrifood systems, biodiversity, native seeds and agroecological practices. Participants emphasized the importance of preserving and passing on intergenerational knowledge as a foundation for more sustainable, inclusive and resilient agrifood systems. The second panel focused on nutrition, physical activity and holistic wellbeing, bringing together nutritionists, sports representatives and wellness practitioners to discuss healthy lifestyles and community wellbeing. To engage participants of all ages, the event also included a penalty shootout tournament promoting the links between sport with healthy living, followed by a live cooking demonstration. One of the highlights of the day was the preparation and serving of a legume-based stew for approximately 250 people, showcasing legumes as nutritious and affordable ingredients.

The culinary experience also celebrated food heritage by showcasing ingredients, flavours and knowledge that form part of Argentina's rich gastronomic and cultural traditions. Children participated in a sensory experience featuring locally grown vegetables, herbs and citrus fruits, encouraging curiosity about biodiversity, seasonal produce and healthy eating and locally produced fresh foods. This activity demonstrated how gastronomy can become a powerful educational tool capable of transforming eating habits from an early age while strengthening the connection between people, their territory and their food heritage.

“Food in the Game: alimentando el juego” demonstrated how sustainable gastronomy can bring together education, culture, sport and community engagement to promote healthier and more sustainable lifestyles. Through this initiative, the Chapter created a platform for dialogue among chefs, scientists, nutritionists, educators, sports organizations, public institutions and families around a shared vision. Food has the power to improve health, strengthen communities and contribute to more sustainable, inclusive and resilient agrifood systems.

By combining science, culture, sport and gastronomy, the event illustrated how youth-led local action can translate global sustainability goals into practical experiences. It also reaffirmed the role of food heritage in preserving cultural identity, celebrating diversity and contributing to more resilient and inclusive agrifood systems.