
How Italy Invests in Children’s Health & Education
In Rome, Italy children are served healthy school lunches that focus on fresh, nutritious ingredients and balanced meals. Food served is organic, meals are made with fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season, and ingredients come from local farms and producers.
Children’s school meals follow the Mediterranean diet, which emphasises fresh fruits and vegetables. No fried foods are served – Italian law prohibits this. The school system doesn’t partner with fast food chains, and there are no vending machines in Roman schools.
During lunchtime, educators and kitchen staff engage with students to impart knowledge about healthy eating habits, local cuisine, and the importance of slow food principles. They often discuss the nutritional value of the foods served, the origin of the ingredients, and how meals contribute to students’ health.
The Italian approach demonstrates an investment in children’s health and education.