Streetsmart in the spotlight:
award winner Social/Human Leadership Award at the Culinary Innovators 2025.
Jul 18, 2025
At the recent Culinary Innovators event, we presented the Social/Human Leadership Award to an initiative that demonstrates just how powerful the hospitality sector can be in creating social impact. The winner? Streetsmart Belgium, a project that bridges the gap between culinary abundance and social need through a simple yet powerful idea.
From London to Belgium
The seed for Streetsmart Belgium was planted during a dinner at St John in London, the iconic restaurant at the forefront of the English bistronomy movement. It was there that Jan Staelens, the founder of Streetsmart Belgium, first encountered Streetsmart UK, an initiative that raises over £1 million each year through more than 600 participating restaurants.
“Belgium has an exceptionally high culinary standard,” says Jan. “I wanted to connect our top chefs with the food pantry, linking abundance with poverty. With the approval of Streetsmart UK, I founded Streetsmart Belgium.”
A low-barrier way for restaurants to make a difference
Streetsmart makes it easy for restaurants to participate. During the winter months, a small donation of €2 is added to each table’s bill, a contribution that goes directly to the local food pantry.
“For restaurateurs, it’s an opportunity to show their social engagement without any financial cost,” explains Jan. “On top of that, Streetsmart offers visibility and free PR. Every restaurant that participated last year is joining again this year, which is perhaps the strongest proof of the concept’s success.”
Local impact you can feel at the table
The funds raised don’t go to a distant or anonymous organisation, they’re channelled directly to the local food pantry, keeping the impact tangible and visible.
“In Ghent, for example, the money raised by local restaurants goes straight to the Ghent food pantry,” Jan explains. “With over 400 volunteers, it’s one of the most efficient organisations I know. The funds are often used to purchase food at auctions when donations from suppliers or supermarkets fall short. Every euro is spent wisely, and the support is deeply appreciated.”
A future full of potential
Although Streetsmart Belgium is still relatively new, the ambition is clear. “Our priority now is to build a strong foundation before expanding into other sectors. We are actively looking for a sponsor to help cover operational costs and support further growth.”
Receiving the Social/Human Leadership Award from Gault&Millau means more than just recognition. “It opens doors to an influential network and gives us the legitimacy we’re aiming for at the highest level. This award helps us build momentum and strengthen our initiative within the Belgian hospitality industry,” Jan concludes.
Streetsmart Belgium proves that solidarity doesn’t require grand gestures to have great impact. Two euro per table, thousands of tables – and a warm meal for those who need it most.
Want to learn more or join as a restaurant? Visit www.streetsmart.be.
