From 01 to 03 October 2025, all partners of the Food Connect Project gathered in Porto, Portugal, for the second Transnational Project Meeting (TPM2). The meeting was hosted by INOVA+ and brought together project partners for two days of collaborative work, followed by a third day dedicated to discussions with the external monitor of the LIFE Programme.

Key Topics and Outcomes of the Meeting

During the Porto meeting, partners focused on advancing both the technical and operational aspects of the project. Key discussions included:

• Further enhancement of the Food Connect digital platform and mobile application, ensuring improved functionality and user experience.
• Definition of the next steps for pilot training and delivery, involving both food donors and recipient organisations.
• Coordination of research conclusions and alignment on procedures for effective stakeholder engagement.
• Planning the next phases of an impactful promotional campaign to raise awareness about food waste reduction and promote the use of the Food Connect platform.

Learning from Best Practices: Visit to Fruta Feia

As part of the meeting agenda, project partners visited Fruta Feia, a well-known Portuguese initiative dedicated to reducing food waste by reintegrating quality produce that does not meet conventional market standards due to size, shape, or appearance.

The visit offered valuable insights into practical and innovative approaches to food redistribution and waste prevention. Fruta Feia’s model demonstrated how changing consumption patterns and market practices can significantly reduce food waste while supporting local producers—providing strong inspiration for the next stages of Food Connect implementation.

Engagement with the LIFE Programme External Monitor

The third day of the meeting was dedicated to a constructive discussion with the external monitor of the LIFE Programme. This session focused on ensuring smooth project coordination, effective management, and full compliance with LIFE Programme guidelines and procedures. The exchange supported alignment on expectations and reinforced the project’s commitment to high-quality implementation.

Looking Ahead

The Porto meeting marked an important milestone for the Food Connect Project, reinforcing the partnership’s shared commitment to building sustainable, connected, and resilient food systems. The outcomes of TPM2 will directly support the upcoming pilot activities, stakeholder engagement, and communication efforts across the three participating countries.