FOOD for THOUGHT training in France

Call for Participants from Austria – Join the “Food for Thought” Project!

Are you passionate about food security and eager to make a difference? Do you want to create lasting solutions for local food systems while collaborating with young people across Europe? This is your chance to join the “Food for Thought” project, an exciting initiative designed to address local food security challenges through innovation and teamwork.

What is the “Food for Thought” Project?

The project brings together 15 young people from Austria, France, and Italy for an engaging training week in Clermont-Ferrand, France from March 16–22, 2025. Together, you’ll co-create innovative projects tackling pressing food security issues in your community. The program involves hands-on workshops, team collaboration, and expert-led training sessions on topics ranging from food systems analysis to project development.

Why Participate?

  • Work alongside youth from three countries to design impactful projects.
  • Learn valuable skills, such as analyzing surveys, implementing solutions, and working effectively in teams.
  • Address urgent needs like access to fresh food or managing organic waste.
  • Explore France, including the breathtaking chain of extinct volcanoes in Clermont-Ferrand, a UNESCO World Heritage site!

Who Can Apply?

We’re looking for young participants who are:

  • 18-30 years old,
  • Interested in food security and willing to actively contribute to the project,
  • Bonus: Skills or experience in food systems are a plus but not mandatory!

Practical Details

  • Accommodation & Venue: Stay in shared rooms at Eklo Hostel near Clermont-Ferrand’s city center. Meals are provided, with lunches at a university cafeteria and dinners at local restaurants or the hostel.
  • Travel: Transport from Austria to the venue is supported. Your flight should be to Lyon St Exupéry Airport or Parist, followed by a FlixBus on SNFC train to to Clermont-Ferrand. Detailed travel instructions will be provided and our travel proposal you can find at the bottom of this webpage. You can stay 48 hours extra in France, during the extra days your food and accommodation is on your own cost.
  • Costs: Travel costs are reimbursed up to 300 EUR, and training, accommodation, and meals during the program are covered (starting with dinner on 16.3.2025 and last meal is breakfast on 22.3.2025).

How to Apply

To secure your spot, simply apply before the deadline:

Don’t miss this chance to contribute to meaningful solutions and connect with like-minded people from across Europe. Apply now to join the “Food for Thought” project and help shape the future of food security in Austria and beyond!

Travel Planning – Step-by-Step

  1. Confirmation of Participation
    Once we confirm your participation in the project, you’ll receive further instructions.
  2. Submission of Your Travel Plan
    You’ll be required to send us your proposed travel plan (to and from Clermont-Ferrand) for approval.
  3. Approval by ACTIVE
    The ACTIVE team will review and approve your travel plan to ensure everything aligns with the program guidelines.
  4. Booking Your Travel
    Once approved, you’ll be asked to book your travel tickets.
  5. Travel Costs Reimbursement
    After participating in the training week, your travel costs (up to 300 EUR) will be reimbursed. Make sure to keep your receipts and tickets as proof!

Travel plan proposal:

On 16.3. morning flight from Vienna to Paris and at 16.00h taking train from Paris to Clermont-Ferrand. You will have few hours to see the city before taking the train.

Austrian airlines

SNFC connect trains

On 22.3. taking FlixBus to Lyon airport and then flight back to Vienna

FlixBus