SPARKLE Albertville School – Sustainable food systems and land use policies
Eat better, waste less, produce locally: developing sustainable food systems for resilient cities
Food systemsAbout
Cities and regions have a unique opportunity to reshape food systems to respond to climate change, rising health concerns and pressures on land and natural resources. By developing innovative urban food strategies, municipalities can help create food environments that are healthier, more resilient and more sustainable for their communities.
Are you interested in learning from cities that are already transforming their local food systems? On 11-12 June, join the last SPARKLE School Eat better, waste less, produce locally: developing sustainable food systems for resilient cities, hosted in the wonderful setting of the French Alps in Albertville. We will explore future-proof food systems and land-use policies, discover practical solutions to strengthen local production and promote healthier, more sustainable diets.
This is a unique opportunity to get inspired by the experiences of European cities, exchange with other public authorities and experts, and gain practical ideas to apply in your municipality.
From generic food strategies to a local and sustainable production
On the first day, you will gain a better understanding of local food policies, from overarching frameworks to practical actions at the local level.
Drawing on the French experience, representatives from the DRAAF – Direction Régionale de l’Alimentation, de l’Agriculture et de la Forêt, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, ADEME – Agence de la transition écologique, Grenoble and Arlysere will share insights on sustainable food strategies at the EU, national and local levels.
After visiting local producers, you will also learn how cities can concretely support local and sustainable food production through a range of practical examples.
Delivering healthy, sustainable and accessible diets
On the second day, you will learn how municipalities can promote healthy and sustainable diets while supporting local producers and fostering social inclusion.
Together, we will explore inspiring initiatives from the cities of Albertville (France), Calenzano (Italy) and Barcelona (Spain), including experiences with central kitchens, school education programmes and social inclusion projects in specific neighbourhoods.
After visiting a social supermarket, you will take part in a hands-on activity to apply what you have learned during this insightful SPARKLE school.
In addition to a beautiful memory, at the end of this experience, you will have gained practical strategies and created new, valuable connections with peers that will help you develop integrated urban food strategies in your context.
How to apply
To join us, you need to apply by 26 March 2026. You can either join as a self-funded participant, or – if you are a local/regional authority that meets all the eligibility criteria – we will cover your travel expenses up to € 1,400. To apply for the fully funded programme, you need to:
- Complete the SPARKLE free e-learning Integrated energy and climate transition planning course in addition to either the Data for a clean energy transition or the Transition management course.
- Fill out the application form and indicate the school (first and second choice) you would like to attend.
- Provide a Letter of Commitment demonstrating your municipality’s ambition to develop or improve a SECAP or similar plans and to participate in the chosen SPARKLE school.
- Indicate 2 representatives (one technical and one political delegate) to join the selected school.
Selected participants will be notified by 27 April 2026.
Click on the button below to discover the selection!
