VENN Foods, a startup incubated at UPTEC – Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto, has joined forces with CASA – Centro de Apoio ao Sem Abrigo (Homeless Support Centre) and ProVeg Portugal for the “Mesa Aberta” project, which aims to promote social and food inclusion in the city of Porto.

Through this initiative, people in situations of socioeconomic vulnerability can enjoy a free meal at VENN Canteen, an haute cuisine restaurant, something that is often far removed from their reality. “It’s a small gesture, but one made with great care and hope that it will have a positive impact”, adds Monika Błoch, co-founder of VENN Foods.

VENN Foods started by creating an online delivery service for vegan meal kits, with step-by-step instructions for preparing recipes and fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients in the right portions. In 2023, they also opened VENN Canteen, a vegan restaurant in Porto that prioritises regenerative agriculture, agroforestry and the use of diverse food species.

As part of the project, CASA selects a family or group of socially disadvantaged people who, on specific days of the week, can enjoy a free lunch at VENN Canteen, with a reserved table and access to a complete, nutritious and memorable meal.

Since June this year, two families from Porto have had the opportunity to participate and other families already have a table reserved at VENN Canteen to enjoy the experience. “For us, this initiative is a way of giving back with what we know how to do: cooking with intention. We already work daily with environmental and sustainability issues, but we also wanted to touch on the human side; to create a beautiful moment at the table for those who are so often left out of these conversations”, shares Snider Rodrigues, co-founder of VENN Foods.

VENN Foods: “Mesa Aberta” Project

The “Mesa Aberta” project was born out of the need to raise awareness of the social and economic vulnerability that affects around 1.7 million people in Portugal, currently at risk of poverty – a rate that stands at 16.6%. By facilitating access to balanced meals and creating moments of socialisation for those who need it most, the initiative creates spaces for social inclusion and involves the community.

The project is part of the Food4Inclusion programme, promoted by SAFE – Safe Food Advocacy Europe, and is being implemented in several European countries, including Portugal, Belgium, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Lithuania and Romania.