The food poverty alarm in Italy is intensifying. In 2023, almost 5 million Italians (8,4% of the population over 16) could not afford a full meal every two days, marking a 50% increase in food aid distributed in the last 5 years.
The causes are multiple, from the economic crisis to inflation, and the consequences are heavy on the health and well-being of families and this highlights the need for urgent and structural interventions.
The increase affected all regions except Friuli-Venezia Giulia where the data is stable.
Leading the 2023 overall ranking for aid distributed is Rome with 152.572 people, followed by Palermo with 115.796, in third place Catania with 81.699; in fourth place Naples with its 73.609 beneficiaries, Milan is fifth with 62.157. In 2023, the cities of Catania (27,4%), Reggio Calabria (18,5%) and Palermo (18,4%) have the highest rates of beneficiaries compared to the resident population.
The causes of food poverty are multiple and interconnected:
Economic CrisisJob loss, job insecurity and the reduction of family purchasing power are determining factors.
Inflation: Rising prices of essential goods, especially food, are eroding the purchasing power of low-income families.
Social inequalities: Economic and social inequalities create pockets of poverty, where access to healthy and nutritious food is limited.
Housing emergencyThe high cost of rent and utilities limits the availability of economic resources for the purchase of food.
Covid-19 Pandemic: The pandemic has worsened the economic situation of many families, increasing vulnerability and food insecurity.
The consequences on health and well-being
To effectively combat food poverty, a multidimensional approach involving different actors is needed:
Social policies: Increase in minimum income, support for families with children, policies for work inclusion.
Economic policies: Measures to combat inflation, support local agricultural businesses, promotion of sustainable food supply chains.
Educational interventions: Promotion of healthy lifestyles and proper nutrition, education on conscious consumption.
Collaboration between public and private: Involvement of the third sector, businesses and local institutions in the design and implementation of interventions to support people in difficulty.
Conclusions
Food poverty is a complex challenge that requires constant commitment from all actors involved. Only through an integrated and sustainable approach will it be possible to guarantee everyone the right to healthy and nutritious food.
Article published on 15 October 2024 - 09:46
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Worrying situation, we hope that effective solutions will be found to help those in difficulty.