Despite the new and difficult working and functioning conditions in everyday life, caused by the development of the COVID-19 virus, the MD.net project along with our partner JU RERA S.D. for coordination and development of Split-Dalmatia County, continues its planned activities respecting all epidemiological measures.
As part of the activities to encourage innovative entrepreneurship based on the Mediterranean diet and the establishment of innovative Mediterranean food products, they involved four high schools and one primary school in Split-Dalmatia County. All schools have successfully completed the work on the establishment of their food products, through practical workshops. Each of these schools had allocated funds in the amount of 5.000,00 EUR, for the purchase of necessary equipment for the establishment of products, which had to be prepared according to the principles of the Mediterranean diet and with original ingredients from these localities (islands and coast of Split-Dalmatia County).
For each school the project task was to make its own innovative food product that will be analysed with the overall nutritional value and the required daily quantities, by the authorized body, and it will be promoted during December at 4 Advent events. The goal of the entire cooperation with selected schools is to include as many children and young people as possible, who got acquainted with the principles of the Mediterranean diet and Mediterranean lifestyle, as well as the importance of the impact of the Mediterranean diet on human health.
In total, 35 workshops have been organised and run. Around 60 students were engaged, alongside 12 teachers. Unfortunately the wider community involvement was severely limited in the later workshops due to Covid-19 measures. A total of 15 different products were produced, with four teams choosing a final product to take to the local competition, and one team taking a final product which also produces a by-product.
Final products
| Team | Innovation | Main USp | Common usp |
|---|---|---|---|
| School from Vis - Organic Carob Syrup | New product from Carob | No waste product | Developed, tested and produced by student co-operatives |
| School from Kastela - Vegan Energy Bar | Introduction of broad bean into energy bar | Some ingredients from school greenhouse | Developed, tested and produced by student co-operatives |
| School from Hvar - Aromatised salt packed | New product from the island, possibly region | Hand harvested salt | Developed, tested and produced by student co-operatives |
| School from Stari Grad - Paprenjak oreo (cookie) | New shape - making product shelf friendly | Uses traditional recipe | Developed, tested and produced by student co-operatives |
| School from Supetar - Pasta Sauce | New target market young professionals | Uses Brački Varenik to preserve it | Developed, tested and produced by student co-operatives |
* Brački Varenik received an European protected geographical label, which is in the register of protected designation of origin and protected geographical indications and the European Union
