The modern way of living has resulted in transforming the eating process from an opportunity for social interaction to a fast, isolated and individualised process. However, the consumption of food is an important presupposition for the accomplishment of three significant functions. Firstly, eating is important for the survival of human beings because it provides the necessary energy for the body functioning. Moreover, the type of food that is consumed determines, among other factors, the health status of each individual. The third function of eating is that provides pleasure, and emotional comfort (e.g. reduces anxiety). The multilateral youth exchange aims to promote the three functions that constitute the ‘’eating well’’ process, by addressing the social importance of eating, the necessity for changing eating patterns, not only as a means to preserve our health status, but also as a way of promoting sustainable development due to the rapid environmental changes that affect our eating habits and our health. Captain Cook has been a seven-day youth exchange, based on the learning by participation methodology and dealing with the issue of our nutrition habits. Different methodologies, such as group work, role-playing, artistic creations, and plenary discussions supported the experiential learning, which applied in non- formal educational settings, focusing on the individualized needs of the participants and encouraging them to share their experiences. Moreover, the active involvement of participants in cooking sessions, where each country had to cook three traditional dishes, had an additive value in the development of cooking skills and in the acquisition of cognitive skills concerning healthy diet and cultural differences. Captain Cook project took place at Naousa- Greece between 17th - 25th of August 2011 and it was based on the participation of 40 young people between 18- 25 years old from Turkey, Spain, Italy, Estonia, Slovenia and Greece. In specific, these young participants have been sent by the following Non Governmental Organisations: Fexuga (Spain), Euro-Net (Italy), Saku Borough Youth Center (Estonia), Doga Art Center (Turkey), SKIS (Slovenia) and Aenao (Greece). The main objectives of this project have been to: • Provide information concerning the three aspects of eating (biological, social and emotional). • Raise awareness on the necessity of youth participation, volunteerism, and community participation. • Enhance understanding and acceptance of cultural diversity. • Contribute on the development of communicational, pro-social and problem-solving skills. • Provide the knowledge to participants to act as multipliers in national and international level. • Provide the opportunity to socially excluded youth to participate in non-formal educational settings. By the end of this project it could be claimed that through this youth exchange participants have succeeded to:  Get informed on Mediterranean diet and promote it  Gain knowledge and experience on healthy food  Change attitudes towards eating patterns and make healthy choices  Increase awareness for the need for the youth participation and volunteering in social engagement  Work in multicultural environment  Act as multipliers in their local settings  Create a European network and exchange experience concerning healthy food  Establish co-operation among EU countries