Before this project, the partnership consisted of young people who had few opportunities to interact with individuals from cultures and backgrounds different from their own. A large majority had shown interest in learning more about the culinary traditions of other countries, seeing food as a way to overcome cultural and social barriers, as well as an easy tool for socializing. However, almost all of the participants highlighted the lack of structured opportunities to explore and share these experiences: there is a shortage of safe and inclusive spaces where this can be done. Furthermore, it should be added that many of them heavily consumed "junk food" and, in general, processed foods (along with sugary and carbonated drinks) and very few attempted to cook. Finally, about half of the group was on their first Erasmus+ experience and few, before this exchange, were aware of the opportunities that the European Union makes available to them. On a personal level, few of the young people were familiar with the cultures and societies of the participating countries and many of them had low self-esteem and a very limited comfort zone. In light of these needs, the project aimed to address the following issues: - Difficulties in socio-cultural integration; - Lack of opportunities for intercultural learning; - Limited occasions for socialization based on real-life, non-virtual experiences; - Poor knowledge of European mobility programs; - Young people with low self-esteem; - Superficial approach to food. "Culinary Crossroads" set out to achieve the following goals by creating an inclusive and safe environment where young people could share and learn from each other: - Promote social integration and multiculturalism through understanding, collaboration, socialization and the appreciation of diversity; - Educate about nutrition and sustainability; - Enhance and rediscover the cultural heritage of the countries involved here, including their own; - Develop specific soft skills to instill greater self-confidence and belief in their own abilities in the participants; - Reduce stereotypes and prejudices among the young people from the countries involved here; - Promote youth mobility, the opportunities provided by the European Union, non-formal learning and a sense of belonging to the large multi-ethnic and multicultural community called Europe. Objectives were also set for the partner organizations: - Improve the organizations' capacity to manage intercultural projects and acquire skills related to the theme at hand so that they can be reused for future local and international activities. - Strengthening of networking: The organizations will collaborate with partners from different nations, building lasting relationships that can be used for future projects. - Visibility and acquisition of new followers and supporters following the dissemination of an international event like this.