Nurturing inclusion
The social organizations Heliconia and Fundación Espigoladors , along with the social enterprises Agrícola Salvia and es im-perfect® , have joined forces to promote the " Feeding Inclusion " project. This initiative aims to strengthen local agri-food systems in Catalonia and the Community of Madrid by improving sustainability (across its three pillars: environmental, social, and economic) through various actions led by two social enterprises working in the production and processing of fresh food.
To this end, the project aims to modernize production methods using sustainability and circular economy principles, promote their activity, and strengthen inter-cooperation through the exchange of experiences. The project addresses multiple challenges to the sustainable and inclusive transition of the agri-food system. It is a triple-impact project that promotes a sustainable food transition, strengthens social economy enterprises, and enhances quality employment opportunities for people in vulnerable situations.
Why do we do it?
In Spain, social exclusion, job insecurity, and the environmental crisis are closely intertwined. While many people struggle to access decent employment, the globalized agri-food system exacerbates inequalities and environmental impact, distancing production from consumption and generating massive food waste. The lack of generational renewal and precarious conditions in the agricultural sector reinforce the need for structural change. Given this situation, it is essential to promote more sustainable models that foster inclusive employment, reduce food waste, and strengthen local systems to guarantee fair and accessible food.
How are we doing?
The main objective is to consolidate the ecosystem of two social and environmental impact companies that promote the transition to sustainable food systems.
We are doing this through innovation in the production processes of the two social enterprises from a sustainability perspective, strengthening the social and labor integration of people in vulnerable situations in the local food system and also promoting a culture of sustainable food and responsible consumption.
Heliconia is a non-profit cooperative focused on environmental education, community development, sustainability, and food sovereignty. It develops educational programs in schools, corporate volunteering activities, environmental services, and awareness campaigns, collaborating with public administrations, businesses, and social organizations. Furthermore, it is committed to social and environmental innovation through projects that generate decent employment and empower people. Its multidisciplinary team is composed of dedicated professionals working to build a more just, inclusive, and resilient society.
Agrícola Salvia is a social enterprise located in the Fuenlabrada Agricultural Park, dedicated to the production of fresh fruits and vegetables. It began operations in 2023, building on the experience of the Heliconia Group in agricultural consulting and research. Its aim is to offer high-quality products to the local market and provide employment opportunities for people in vulnerable situations. It operates a model that cultivates food while simultaneously creating opportunities, contributing to a fairer and more sustainable environment.
The Espigoladors Foundation is a social enterprise that has been working for 10 years for the use of food in a transformative, inclusive, innovative, participatory and sustainable way.
The activity that gives them their name and becomes the starting point of their entire project is gleaning. This practice consists of collecting, in agreement with local producers and with the collaboration of volunteers, fruits and vegetables that are discarded from the commercial circuit due to production surpluses, decreased sales, or aesthetic reasons. All the recovered food is distributed to social organizations and free food distribution points that work to guarantee access to healthy food for vulnerable groups.
On the other hand, they produce 100% natural and artisanal vegetable preserves in their own workshop under the brand im-perfect®, the first food brand in Spain that markets quality products made from food surpluses.
es im-perfect® is the Espigoladors Foundation's food processing and employment integration company. Certified as a B Corp, it is an activist, sustainable, and socially responsible brand of preserved vegetables that fights against food loss and waste, promoting the right to healthy food for all and empowering vulnerable groups.
They reinvent imperfect fruits and vegetables, giving them new value through a sustainable model based on the principles of the circular economy, producing 100% plant-based, natural, sustainable, and inclusive preserves. Furthermore, they promote social justice because they believe that environmental and social sustainability are closely linked.
In 2024 they opened the new es im-perfect® production center in El Prat de Llobregat, positioning themselves as a benchmark in the fight against loss and waste.
