FoodMonth February - Support a Good Cause

FoodMonth is a collaboration between Future Food Utrecht, the Faculty Club, and Vineyard, bringing food, science, and stories together on your plate.

By choosing this FoodMonth Special, you are directly supporting a good cause: the SYMFONIO Project, which empowers women farming communities in Africa. The project promotes organic agriculture, local processing, and fair export opportunities, giving these women greater economic independence.

Fonio, the small but powerful African grain, takes center stage in this dish. It grows quickly, thrives on poor soils, is drought-tolerant, and packed with nutrients. And yes, it’s naturally gluten-free. By choosing this dish, you’re not only supporting your own health but also the strength and independence of women in Africa.

Feeding Curiosity: what’s the story behind gluten?

As part of FoodMonth, you can also dive deeper into the science and stories behind what’s on your plate. This month features an in-depth article by Geert Houben, Principal Scientist Food Allergy and Immunotoxicology at TNO and Professor at Utrecht University and UMC Utrecht. He is also a board member of Future Food Utrecht.

In his article, Geert explains what gluten is, why it is perfectly safe and nutritious for most people, and why it can cause serious health issues for individuals with coeliac disease. He also explores how gluten-free alternatives like fonio can contribute to a nutritious diet, provided food safety risks such as cross-contamination are carefully managed.

While enjoying your meal at the Faculty Club, scan the QR code on the FFU cards to read the full article and explore the broader FoodMonth story. Previous FoodMonths and their background articles are also available, offering a growing archive of food, science, and culture.

Enjoy the special and feed your curiosity.