Title: Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Sustainable Nutrition Guidelines and Sustainable Institutional Food Systems: Implementation of AI Tools for School Nutrition Education Management (SNEM) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

Duration: 2 years

Summary: Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lebanon was undergoing an unfavorable nutrition transition, shifting the dietary intake of children and adults away from the traditional Mediterranean diet toward the consumption of a more Western-like diet rich in energy-dense and highly processed foods. Significant changes were noted in the diet of Lebanese adolescents between 1997 and 2009 that are characterized by high intakes of meat, poultry, salty snacks, added fats and oils, whereas the consumption of milk and fruits significantly decreased among this age population during that time period (Nasreddine et al., 2022). This dietary shift along with the increase in sedentary behaviors and lifestyles were associated with an increase in excessive weight gain and diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases (Nasreddine et al., 2022). Since dietary habits acquired during early life have been shown to influence health later in life, particularly obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, a balanced healthy diet early in life (supported by the education/school) is essential for optimal health throughout adolescence and into adulthood.

The dietary shifts observed among Lebanese children and adolescents are also threatening the environmental sustainability of Lebanese diets. These shifts in food consumption were associated with significant increases in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, water, and energy footprints. Thus, diet solutions that are healthy, satisfy nutrient needs, and consider economic and environmental factors are much needed. In fact, there is a growing scientific literature from high-income countries on diet optimization, a mathematical approach to derive optimal diets given certain functions and constraints, including those that are environment related.