The second Lab & Kitchen event in Utrecht has now reached its midpoint, and the journey so far has been remarkable. This year’s focus has been on deepening the understanding of successful citizen engagement in food sharing, bringing local residents into the heart of efforts to create a more sustainable and resilient food system. With the boundless creativity of CASCOLAND and the incredible space and infrastructure provided by Metaal Kathedraal, participants have been able to experiment with food in ways that connect people, encourage sharing, and foster a stronger sense of community.
A major aspect of the citizen engagement strategy has been hands-on experiences with food. Whether foraging ingredients, baking pizzas in CASCOLAND’s mobile pizza oven, or contributing to a community-sourced recipe book, residents are not merely spectators, they are actively involved. This engagement with food, whether through cooking or innovative documentation, sparks conversations about food resilience and how sustainable food systems can begin right in one’s own front yard.
A key element of this citizen engagement has been the weekly fermentation sessions led by Ana Maria Gatejel (Wageningen University) and Kim Medema (food forest ranger at Metaal Kathedraal). These collective fermentation sessions invite local residents to delve into the art and science of fermentation, sharing knowledge and skills on how to make everything from sourdough bread to pickles and fermented beverages. By focusing on fermentation, participants not only acquire valuable skills but also engage in broader conversations about sustainable food preservation. These workshops are intimate, interactive, and designed to spark curiosity, allowing residents to become active contributors to co-creating delicious community flavours alongside their neighbours and the microbial world.
One of the most exciting citizen engagement tools to emerge from this year’s work at Wageningen University is the “Let’s Eat” game, co-created by Txell Blanco and local residents, and part of the Three Serious Game Prototypes developed within CULTIVATE. Launched on September 6th at the Lab & Kitchen and celebrated with a foraged dinner, the game encourages shared meals and conversations. By combining art, community, and food, it sparks dialogue about sustainability and hyperlocal food systems. The game consists of 37 information-rich cards detailing edible plants, along with a beautifully designed, washable tablecloth that serves as a game board. It is currently circulating through the neighbourhood via “street ambassadors,” who are part of Metaal Kathedraal’s ongoing efforts to engage citizens in the co-management of the Rijnvliet Food Forest. As the game moves from house to house, it creates new opportunities for neighbours to connect over shared dinners, fostering a sense of belonging and participation in the community’s sustainability efforts.
The early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many residents asking how the game could be adapted for other streets, neighbourhoods, and even bioregions. This kind of organic, creative, and community-supported engagement embodies the essence of the Lab & Kitchen: empowering citizens to take ownership of their food systems and build lasting connections with one another.
For more information and to get involved, follow @Eetbarewoonwijkrijnvliet on Instagram and explore the activities calendar for upcoming workshops and events.
Photo credits: Ana Maria Gatejel
