DISH Competition 2024
We are calling on policy makers, chefs, food service leaders, food innovators, communicators, and marketeers to use your skills to change the way Kenyans and Indonesians eat for the better.
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ABOUT THE DISH COMPETITION 2024
The (Dietary Shifts) DISH competition 2024 organised by the Global Alliance of Improved Nutrition (GAIN), EAT, and Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU) is set to uncover local solutions that encourage healthy and sustainable dietary shifts in Kenya and Indonesia. Successful applications will be innovative and in-line with the recommendations from the EAT-Lancet Commission Report (2019) also known as the Planetary Health Diet, and will be actionable, acceptable and country contextualised.
ADDRESSING MALNUTRITION IN KENYA AND INDONESIA
Kenya and Indonesia are facing a triple burden of malnutrition with under-nutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies. Worryingly, 23 million Kenyans are undernourished despite 17 percent of women and 4 percent of men (20-49 yrs of age) being declared obese.
Indonesia faces a similar crisis with 30.8 percent of children under five being stunted and 10.2 percent of children suffering from wasting, while 10.9 percent of adult women and 6.3 percent of adult male are living with obesity.
The DISH Competition seeks creative solutions that are in line with the Planetary Health Diet and encourages, enables and triggers dietary shifts in household consumption to sustainable healthier diet choices.
APPLY NOW!
COMPETITION CATEGORIES
CATEGORY I - REGULATION & POLICY
Under this category we are looking for individuals and organisations that can be policymakers, professionals in relevant policy think tanks, civil servants, bureaucrats, and similar organisations engaged in developing regulatory strategies and advocacy, influencing policy and regulation to encourage healthy eating habits and reducing the consumption of unhealthy foods.
For example, these may be solutions that might be limiting marketing promotions that encourage overconsumption and/or regulating pricing for unhealthy products like sugary drinks, and/or implementing healthy food procurement programs by governments. Other solutions can be like, regulations on certain types of advertising, and front-of-package labelling for unhealthy foods, harmonising taxation systems to discourage unhealthy eating options, putting in place zoning restrictions; putting in place favourable regulation to provide subsidies for nutritious food like fruits and vegetables etc.
CATEGORY II - ADVERTISEMENT AND CULTURAL STRATEGIES
Under this category we are looking for individuals and organisations that can be marketing and advertising agencies, community leaders, government communications functions, CSR initiatives, media agencies, and social influencers; that promote awareness and appreciation of traditional, locally-sourced healthy foods. Essentially your solution helps to increase knowledge on healthy eating practices and promotes a deeper connection to local food sources.
For example, these may be solutions like advertisements or marketing campaigns that encourage dietary and behavioural changes, and encourage a shift towards nutritious and sustainable food options.
CATEGORY III - FOOD SERVICES INTERVENTION
Under this category we are looking for individuals and organisations that can be food retailers, restaurants, public and private canteens, food service providers who are promoting healthier eating habits, say by changing menu choices, redesigning retail layouts, adjusting portion sizes, doing in-store promotions or demonstrations etc to make healthy eating more appealing and accessible.
For example, these may be solutions like changing restaurant menus to include healthier eating options "Meatless Mondays," redesigning retail layouts for better access to nutritious foods, and adjusting portion sizes to favour healthier options, in-store promotions or chef demonstrations further educate and engage consumers, making healthy eating more appealing.
CATEGORY IV - CULINARY SKILLS
Under this category we are looking for individuals and organisations such as chefs, teachers, and cooking enthusiasts, who can enhance culinary skills and promote healthy eating. Solutions should focus on training both culinary professionals and citizens to prepare nutritious meals in households or educational settings, emphasising the importance of creating healthy, sustainable dishes while preserving the connection between food, nutrition, and the environment. Overall, the aim is to raise awareness and improve cooking skills for healthier living.
For example, these may be solutions like capacity building for culinary professionals and citizens to create practical meals, cooking shows with increased healthy food-related content, educational programs in schools that teach children how to prepare healthy and sustainable dishes while exploring the connections between food, nutrition, and environmental impact
CATEGORY V - PRODUCT LEVEL INNOVATIONS
Under this category we are looking for individuals and organisations such as manufacturers of food and beverages/drinks, food delivery services, that are helping to enhance the appeal and accessibility of nutritious and sustainable foods, making healthy foods more desirable through improved convenience and presentation, as well as products that streamline meal preparation with advanced cooking and storage technologies, or distribution models that are needed for improving access to nutritious foods.
For example, these may be solutions like healthy snacks made from locally sourced ingredients, designed for on-the-go convenience ; tasty and sustainable plant-based products li that appeal to health-conscious consumers; innovative storage solutions that o extend the shelf life of fresh produce, reducing waste and encouraging healthy eating; Improved food delivery systems etc
BENEFITS FOR WINNERS
Appreciation award
USD 1000 each for top 15 solutions in each country.
Certificate of excellence
Recognition of the winning solutions with a Certificate of Excellence from the organisers GAIN, EAT, FOLU, Nutrition Connect.
Advisory Support
Advisory support and guidance from a team of global and national subject matter experts spanning the food, nutrition and environment space.
Networking Opportunities
Join a collaborative space for knowledge sharing, where like–minded participants and experts all connect to a network, grow and learn together.
Championing your success story
National and global promotion of your work in media and with all partners showcasing your success story in our networks of GAIN, EAT. FOLU.
Felicitation by esteemed panel
Felicitation at an in-person finale` event, attended by dignitaries in Government, the private sector, development sector, donors and partners.
Deal Room support
Engage with experts to improve your solution, and work with fellow finalists to create joint strategies with personalised assistance that helps refine your pitch.
Entry into Phase 2
An opportunity for the finalists from each country to enter the next phase of the DISH Competition in 2025.
Resources
Local Review of Dietary Shift Solutions.
Global Review of Dietary Shift Solutions.
Evaluation Criteria
Impact on Planetary Health Diets (20%)
- Health and Nutrition Benefits: What’s the potential influence of the solution on enhancing nutritional and health outcomes among the specified populations?
- Dietary Diversity: Does the solution encourage a varied, balanced diet that addresses existing deficiencies or excesses in the area?
Equitably Distributed Benefits (10%)
- Inclusivity: Evaluate if the solution serves the needs of relevant target groups, and resonates with the local context of the country’s food cuisine and culture, for encouraging positive dietary shifts.
- Access & Affordability: Assess if the benefits offered by the solution are accessible to all regardless of socio-economic status, geographic location, etc., and that the cost is manageable for individuals across various income levels.
Feasibility and Scalability (20%)
- Practicality: Evaluate the practicality of implementing the solution within the specific contexts of Kenya and Indonesia, taking into account factors such as costs, infrastructure, local capabilities, and general socio-economic-political-environmental context of the country.
- Scalability: Assess the scalability of the solution to be expanded or duplicated in diverse environments or regions, thereby affecting a broader population.
Innovation and Creativity (10%)
- Novelty: Evaluate how unique or innovative the solution is in addressing dietary challenges and transforming.
- Creative Approach: How creative is the approach suggested (e.g., is it a new technology, unique business model, suggesting a new process, a new behavioural change strategy, etc.)?
Community Engagement and Empowerment (10%)
- Community Involvement: Assess how effectively the solution engages and includes local communities in efforts to promote healthier diets.
- Empowerment: Evaluate if the solution enables communities to make informed decisions regarding their dietary choices and consumption patterns.
Sustainability (20%)
- Environmental Impact: Evaluate sustainability of the solution by looking at its environmental impact and dietary shift proposed (e.g., efficiency in resource use, waste reduction efforts, water-sources, land-use, protecting nature, GHG emissions, and contributions to environmental conservation).
- Long-term Viability: Evaluate the solution's long-term sustainability, encompassing its economic feasibility and potential for sustained impact beyond the competition duration.
Partnerships & Collaboration (10%)
- Collaborative Approach: Evaluate whether the solution involves partnerships or collaborations with relevant stakeholders (e.g., government, NGOs, academia, private sector) to enhance its effectiveness and reach.
- Bundling Appeal: Evaluate whether this solution could complement solutions in other categories.
- Adoption Potential: Assess the readiness of stakeholders (e.g., government agencies, NGOs, private sector) to adopt and implement the solution.
SELECTION PROCESS
Stage I
Your online submitted application is assessed by a panel of internal evaluators at GAIN, EAT, and FOLU.
Stage II
Top 25 shortlisted applications make an online presentation to the esteemed jury of external experts.
Results Declared
Top 15 winners from each country (i.e. 15 in Kenya and 15 in Indonesia) declared.
Timelines
FAQs
What are the important dates of the DISH Challenge ?
- 27 September 2024 – DISH Competition Launched
- 27 September to 31 October 2024 (11:59 PM local country time) – Application window open
- First week of November 2024 – Top 50 shortlisted applicants declared
- Second week of November 2024 – Top 25 shortlisted applicants declared
- Third week of November 2024 – Advisory sessions for the top 25 applicants with experts
- 19th to 20th November 2024 – Presentations by the top 25 shortlisted applicants to the expert jury
- Fourth week of November 2024 – Top 15 applicants declared
- 26th November 2024 – Finale event for the felicitation of the top 15 winners in Kenya (In-person attendance required at the event in Nairobi, Kenya)
- 27th to 28th November 2024 – Deal Room in Kenya with experts and finalists
- 3rd December 2024 – Finale event for the felicitation of the top 15 winners in Indonesia (In-person attendance required at the event in Jakarta, Indonesia)
- 4th to 5th December 2024 – Deal Room in Indonesia with experts and finalists
What are the benefits of participating?
- Appreciation Award – USD 1000 each for the top 15 solutions in each country.
- Certificate of Excellence – Recognition of the winning solutions with a Certificate of Excellence from the organisers: GAIN, EAT, FOLU, and Nutrition Connect.
- Advisory Support – Advisory support and guidance from a team of global and national subject matter experts spanning the food, nutrition, and environment space.
- Valuable Networking Opportunities – Join a collaborative space for knowledge sharing, where like-minded participants and experts connect to a network, grow, and learn together.
- Championing Your Success Story – National and global promotion of your work in media and with all partners, showcasing your success story within the networks of GAIN, EAT, and FOLU.
- Felicitation by Esteemed Panel – Felicitation at an in-person finale event, attended by dignitaries from Government, the private sector, development sector, donors, and partners.
- Deal Room Support – Engage with experts to improve your solution, and collaborate with fellow finalists to create joint strategies with personalised assistance to refine your pitch.
- Entry into Phase 2 of the DISH Competition in 2025 – An opportunity for the finalists from each country to enter the next phase of the DISH Competition in 2025.
How can I apply in the DISH competition?
- Ensure your business or solution meets the eligibility criteria (Kenyan or Indonesian-based, registered as per local laws).
- Go to the competition website, and click on the Apply Now button to complete your application form and submit it before 31st October 2024.
- For further details on registration and submission, keep an eye on the updates on the competition website.
Can I submit more than one entry?
Who can participate?
- Individual(s) or organizations can apply. To be eligible to enter the Dietary Shifts (DISH) Challenge, the Lead Applicant must meet the following conditions:
- Registered agency or Citizen: He/She must be registered as an agency or be a citizen of Kenya or Indonesia only; applying in their own country chapter of the DISH Challenge.
- Type of applicant: An applicant must be an organisation or individual operating or residing in Kenya or Indonesia. (e.g. eligible applicants can be Entrepreneurs and Startups; Researchers and Academics, think tanks; international/national NGOs and Civil Society Organizations; Small-and-Medium Enterprises (SMEs); Government Agencies, Corporate agencies (e.g. start-ups); Food Producers and Suppliers (e.g. farmer, miller, processor); Chefs and Culinary Professionals; Community-Based Organizations; Educational Professionals or organisations (e.g. teachers, researchers in academia, University teams, etc).
- Age: Must be 18 years of age or more on the date of applying for the competition.
- Terms & Conditions: All applicants should have read, understood, and agreed to, without any reservations, to the Terms and Conditions of the competition. (For complete competition Terms and Conditions please see here. Link to come here)
Who cannot participate?
- Ineligible Groups: Employees, Vendors, Consultants, or Agencies working from June 2024-June 2025 with GAIN, EAT, FOLU are not eligible to participate. People related to members of GAIN, EAT, FOLU in familial manner and any other deemed unsuitable to apply as decided by the organizing team.
What types of projects or solutions are accepted in the DISH competition ?
- There are 5 competition categories in the DISH Competition. You can choose to submit your solution or project in any one category (for more information please visit the website):
Category 1 - Regulation and policy
Category 2 - Advertisement and Cultural strategies
Category 3 - Food service interventions
Category 4 - Culinary Skills
Category 5 - Product-level innovations
What is the evaluation criteria for applications ?
- Solutions will be evaluated based on the following criteria: (Read the competition website "Selection Process" for full details)
Evaluation criteria 1: Impact on planetary health diets
Evaluation criteria 2: Equitably distributed benefits
Evaluation criteria 3: Feasibility and scalability
Evaluation criteria 4: Innovation and creativity
Evaluation criteria 4: Community engagement and empowerment
Evaluation criteria 5: Sustainability
Evaluation criteria 6: Partnerships & collaboration
Will there be any mentorship or support for participants?
- Advisory support and mentorship will be offered to applicants at different stages of the competition by the organizing teams from GAIN, EAT, and FOLU. At the end of the finale’ event, the 15 winners will take part in a Deal Room, where they will interact with experts from relevant fields to explore collaboration opportunities and enhance their solutions. They will also work alongside fellow finalists to develop joint strategies, receiving personalized guidance from experts to refine their pitches.
How will the shortlisted applications and the winners be announced?
- The top 50 shortlisted applications will be informed of the results via email.
- The Top 25 shortlisted will be informed of the results via email and/or phone and may be required to hold brief meetings with the organizing team (if needed) to help you prepare well before making your pitch to the esteemed jury in the next round.
- The Top 15 finalists will be informed of the results via email and/or phone and will need to have brief meetings with the organizing team to prepare for their upcoming travel to the capital city. These meetings will help set expectations for their interactions with experts and dignitaries during the in-person finale event and the Deal Room sessions.
What are the Terms and Conditions of the DISH Competition ?
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