The project FOOD CORRIDORS – Empowering rural & urban food connections within European regions, developed under the URBACT III program between September 2019 and March 2022 and led by the Metropolitan Region of Coimbra, has reached the final stage of the 2nd edition of the European Funds Awards. The initiative competes in the “Portugal + European Territorial Cooperation” category.
The main objective of FOOD CORRIDORS was to strengthen connections between rural and urban areas through food, promoting the value of producers, markets, local products, gastronomy, knowledge, and traditions. In the Metropolitan Region of Coimbra, the project involved all 19 municipalities, articulating areas such as the circular economy, tourism, education, public procurement, and the promotion of endogenous products.
The legacy of the project extends beyond the Integrated Action Plan. Initiatives such as the Rota dos Mercados da Região de Coimbra, which brings together 61 markets and fairs, the food literacy project “A Comer é que a Gente se Entende!”, the integration of sustainability criteria in public procurement, participation in RECOLHABIO, and the Loja dos Sabores da Região de Coimbra continue to generate territorial impact.
The Loja dos Sabores da Região de Coimbra, initially created as a pilot action, remains active as a permanent space for promoting endogenous products, crafts, and the region's food and cultural identity. The nomination as a finalist recognizes the capacity of the European cooperation project to generate concrete and lasting results.
The 2026 edition of the European Funds Awards distinguishes projects supported by European funding that demonstrate results and impact on territories. The finalist projects are open to public voting throughout the month of October. Voting for FOOD CORRIDORS can be done via the link: https://www.premiosdosfundoseuropeus.pt/2372-2/.
The finalists will present a five-minute pitch to the jury on November 5th, at the Centro de Congressos de Lisboa, as part of the 3rd European Funds Showcase. The awards ceremony will take place on the same day. The Metropolitan Region of Coimbra calls for public participation and dissemination of this candidacy to further increase the visibility of the work developed.
