Prato Certo

Prato Certo is a national food education initiative developed by Associação In Loco, aimed at helping people in Portugal make informed, healthy and sustainable food choices. Rooted in the principles of the Mediterranean Diet, the project encourages consumption of local and seasonal products, reduction of food waste, and support for small producers. It is integrated into the Plano Nacional para uma Alimentação Equilibrada e Sustentável (PNAES) and has been recognised as a European best practice in rural development and healthy eating. The project offers a wide range of tools and resources, including a seasonal produce calendar, a database of local producers, weekly menu suggestions, a nutritional traffic-light guide, and educational materials for schools, families and older adults. Its multidisciplinary team includes nutritionists, chefs and social scientists who run outreach activities, workshops and campaigns in schools and municipalities throughout Portugal, such as activities marking World Food Day and the Municipal Day Against Food Waste. Prato Certo also participates in international collaborations, including the European citizens' initiative GoodFood4All, which calls for the right to healthy and sustainable food to be recognised across Europe. Through publications such as recipe books and food education guides developed under PNAES, the project shares practical knowledge with teachers, technicians and the wider community, distributed for free through Local Development Associations and available digitally on its website. Overall, Prato Certo positions itself as a project by people and for people, connecting individual food choices to broader goals of health, environmental sustainability and community wellbeing.