Abstract:

In industrialized countries and in developed societies there is a contradiction on food surpluses and the existence of poverty pockets and marginalization. In these societies, though there are indications that awaken the spirit of solidarity, it is necessary to spread human and cultural values to become aware of the social, environmental and economic consequences of food consumption. Consumption is a collective behaviour and, therefore, consumer protection means defending the whole society. Universities have great potential for articulation relationships with both the civil society and the economic sectors in order to address society’s major problems by creating values in young people that result in an improvement in people’s lives. The aim of this paper is to show a new form of relationship between universities and civil society, to contribute jointly to some of the most serious challenges mankind has to face: hunger and malnutrition. The relationship takes the form of University Food Banks-UPM Chair as a means to establish a long-term strategic partnership, in order to carry out training, research and knowledge transfer in areas of common interest. After two years of joint activities, the performed projects highlight the importance of these new relationships, which sit as a novel way to generate a humble mind and rational consumption.