Emilia-Romagna’s bold move: 14 million organic meals served in schools—what’s their secret?

Emilia-Romagna’s commitment to sustainable and healthy school meals continues to set the standard nationally for the seventh consecutive year.

Emilia-Romagna has once again demonstrated its leadership in promoting sustainable and healthy eating in schools across Italy. With over 14 million organic meals served in 2024, the region continues to prioritize the nutritional well-being of its students. This initiative, supported by substantial funding from the Ministry of Agriculture, not only aims to improve the quality of school meals but also seeks to reduce costs for families and foster environmental sustainability. Regional Agriculture Minister Alessio Mammi has highlighted the importance of integrating organic and local foods into school menus as part of a broader strategy to enhance children’s growth and learning. This article explores the region’s achievements, the impact of government funding, and the future goals for Emilia-Romagna’s school meal programs.

Significant achievements in organic meal provision

In 2024 alone, Emilia-Romagna served nearly 14 million organic meals, marking its seventh consecutive year as a national leader in this field. This achievement is part of a long-standing commitment to providing high-quality school meals that meet the nutritional needs of young students. Since 2018, the region has served over 60 million organic meals, thanks to the consistent support from the national fund for school canteens. This demonstrates not only the region’s dedication to healthy eating but also its ability to attract significant resources to support its school catering services.

The role of government funding in promoting organic meals

Central to Emilia-Romagna’s successful school meal program is the funding received from the Ministry of Agriculture’s Fund for Organic School Canteens. In 2024, the region received over 1.2 million euros to support this initiative. These funds were distributed among 45 local entities and school meal service providers, allowing them to reduce costs and enhance meal quality. The funding has been instrumental in expanding the number of organic school canteens, making Emilia-Romagna the region with the highest number of such facilities in Italy. This financial support underscores the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable and healthy eating practices among young students.

Alessio Mammi’s vision for quality school catering

Regional Agriculture Minister Alessio Mammi has been a vocal advocate for the integration of organic and local products into school meals. He emphasizes that investing in quality catering services is a deliberate political choice that the region is committed to pursuing. Mammi’s vision includes making organic food a staple in school menus, supporting local communities, and promoting the local agri-food chain. His goal is to establish a virtuous model in collaboration with local territories, ensuring that principles of balanced and sustainable eating are increasingly woven into the fabric of children’s education and upbringing.

The future of organic school meal programs

Looking ahead, Emilia-Romagna aims to continue investing in the quality of school meals to ensure that they are both accessible and sustainable. The region’s ongoing efforts contribute to the well-being of families and the health of children, setting a benchmark for others to follow. By maintaining its focus on organic and sustainable practices, Emilia-Romagna is not only enhancing the immediate nutritional landscape for its students but is also instilling lifelong healthy eating habits in the next generation.