Monday, May 19, 2025
The student team Flatta from Inholland University of Applied Sciences was named the winner of the Food Boost Challenge 2025 by both the expert jury and the public. Their innovative idea to entice young people to make healthier and more plant-based choices with flatbreads containing 30% vegetables and rich in fiber was chosen as the most promising concept of this edition.
By winning both the jury prize and the public award, this team takes home the two main prizes: cash checks worth €2,500 and €500 respectively.
During the final at the World Horti Center in Naaldwijk, ten youth teams — from vocational (MBO) and higher education (HBO) institutions — pitched their ideas to the public and jury. These were ten concrete solutions aimed at encouraging young people aged 15 to 20 to choose healthier and more plant-based options more often.
According to the jury, the feasibility of the concept and the thoroughness of its design were decisive factors in their win. Team Flatta also impressed with their pitch and answers to questions, including a precise calculation of the break-even point for their product.
Flatta won the public award as well, receiving 24% of nearly 700 votes. Team Power Bites from MBO Westland took the runner-up prize with 17% of the votes.
Urgency for Health and Climate
About one in five young people between 16 and 20 struggle with overweight. Healthy nutrition is an important factor for growing up healthy. But in our current food environment, that is complicated. Unhealthy temptations are everywhere: supermarket croissants for breakfast or snacks, vending machine snacks instead of fruit, and fries and burgers after sports. Eating more plant-based foods — such as vegetables, grains, and nuts — and less animal-based products — like meat and dairy — helps young people grow up healthier and reduces pressure on the climate.
At the end of 2024, the Food Boost Challenge invited young people to submit their best ideas. Out of dozens of entries, ten teams were selected. In collaboration with partners from business, social organizations, and educational institutions, they developed and tested their ideas with peers. The ultimate goal of the Food Boost Challenge is to further develop one or more of these ideas — where possible together with the young people themselves — through these partners.
Food Boost Challenge Held for the Third Time
The Food Boost Challenge is an initiative of HortiHeroes, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Medical Delta, and Foodvalley NL. This third edition of the Food Boost Challenge is organized by HortiHeroes, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, and Medical Delta, in collaboration with MBO Westland, Inholland University of Applied Sciences, and Hotelschool The Hague. It is made possible with support from Stichting Goeie Grutten, Medical Delta, and Regieorgaan SIA.
The Food Boost Challenge 2025 is the third edition and takes place in the regions of Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland. The first edition was held in Southwest Netherlands in 2022, the second in South Limburg in 2023. Additionally, a Food Boost Challenge is being organized in collaboration with the University of Curaçao. Behind the scenes, preparations are underway for future editions.
This article was previously published on the Hortiheroes website: TEAM FLATTA wint de Food Boost Challenge 2025 - Hortiheroes
For more information, visit the Food Boost Challenge. website.
