At Antun Mihanovic Elementary School in Zagreb, we held the workshop Food is Not for Throwing Away! with students with developmental difficulties, supported by school volunteers. Through collaborative activities and discussion, we explored an important question: how do we treat food and the people who don’t have enough of it? The workshop aimed to raise awareness about responsibility while encouraging real change in daily habits.

The conversation began openly: students talked about food waste, habits at home and school and about hunger in Africa. They connected everyday actions with the bigger picture of the world, showing how sensitive they are to injustice and inequality.

Next, students discussed in small groups concrete ways to reduce food waste. Through their projects, they highlighted key messages: take only what you need, store food properly and find creative ways to use leftovers. The workshop encouraged teamwork, idea sharing and the development of ecological and social awareness. Most importantly, this workshop inspired change.

After the workshop, students have been more mindful about the portions they take and more responsible with food during breakfast and lunch in the school cafeteria. Small changes in daily habits can sometimes be the biggest step forward.

What the students said about the workshop:

I: I enjoyed the workshop. The best part was seeing that old bread can be baked into something new.

N: My favorite thing is that I can make fruit juice from fruit because I love drinking juice.

E: It was great to spend time with friends and see children in Africa and I know I shouldn’t waste food.