Natureza-morta: food waste in focus

Still life was a project developed by Kitchen Dates together with DECO, as part of a community-based initiative focused on food waste. It centred on food waste through ingredients that remain fit for consumption but end up being left aside. The focus was not on spoiled food, but on what stops being chosen and, for that reason, rarely reaches the plate.

Through dinners, gatherings, workshops and collaborative projects, food was used as a tool for reflection, bringing together food practices, territory and consumption, often in a community context.

The initiative was developed with community participation, involving people of different ages and backgrounds. The images were accompanied by conversations, memories and shared experiences about how people used to cook, how everything was once used, and how many of those habits have been lost over time. Photography served as a starting point to discuss food choices and the normalisation of waste.

The work also resulted in a book that brings together images, texts and contributions from those involved throughout the process. More than a final record, the book works as an extension of the initiative, bringing together different perspectives, memories and reflections on food waste, everyday practices and the way we relate to food.

Equal Food took part as a partner in this initiative, aligning with its reflection and donating food boxes for the community workshops. Valuing out-of-standard food and reducing food waste are part of our daily work, both at the production and consumption levels. This partnership reinforces the idea that food waste is not only a logistical issue, but also a cultural one, linked to the way we look at and make choices about food.