Unveiling the future of child nutrition: how Nutripiatto is revolutionizing healthy eating habits in schools

The Nutripiatto initiative aims to revolutionize childhood nutrition education and promote healthier lifestyles through interactive learning tools and collaborations.

On March 20, 2025, a groundbreaking initiative called Nutripiatto was introduced at the Ministry of Education and Merit in Rome, aiming to transform nutritional education among children and their families. This program, a collaborative effort between Nestlé, the University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, and the Italian Society of Preventive and Social Pediatrics (Sipps), seeks to instill healthy eating habits from an early age. By providing practical tools and resources, Nutripiatto is set to play a pivotal role in shaping healthier lifestyles and enhancing nutritional awareness in Italy.

Addressing the challenge of poor dietary habits among children

The current situation regarding children’s eating habits poses a significant public health challenge. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a concerning 29% of Italian children aged 6 to 10 are overweight, underlining the urgent need for effective interventions. Paola Frassinetti, the Undersecretary for Education and Merit, emphasized the necessity of improving nutritional education both at school and at home. She stated that Nutripiatto is a crucial step towards greater awareness of healthy food choices among young people, aligning with national health and education policies.

Collaborative efforts to promote healthy eating habits

Nutripiatto is the result of a successful collaboration between Nestlé and prominent scientific institutions. Marco Travaglia, President and CEO of Nestlé Italy and Malta, highlighted the importance of establishing healthy eating habits from a young age. He expressed Nestlé’s commitment to supporting families and educators with scientifically validated tools to foster nutritional education in Italian schools, thus contributing to a healthier future generation.

Nutripiatto’s role in engaging children in meal preparation

The Nutripiatto project actively encourages children to participate in selecting ingredients and preparing meals, making it an engaging educational experience. Laura De Gara, President of the Master’s Degree Program in Food and Nutrition Sciences at the University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, pointed out that the project aims to revive the tradition of balanced family meals while respecting product seasonality. Giuseppe Di Mauro, President of Sipps, underscored the vital role pediatricians play in nutritional education, noting that Nutripiatto offers concrete support to child health professionals.

Future prospects and expanding educational reach

With the backing of the Ministry and collaboration with WeSchool, Nutripiatto has the potential to expand its reach to more schools, becoming a benchmark for nutritional education in Italian classrooms. The project’s activities continue to evolve, with initiatives like the “Nutripiatto Storytime” designed to make learning interactive and accessible. By employing innovative methodologies such as games and role play, the project aims to engage both teachers and students in a dynamic educational process.

Ongoing commitment to a healthier future

Since its inception in 2018, Nutripiatto has developed guides and educational materials that assist parents and teachers in preparing balanced meals, focusing on Italian culinary traditions and children’s health. With the continuous dedication of Nestlé and its partners, Nutripiatto remains a crucial initiative in fostering a more health-conscious and informed future generation, emphasizing the importance of nutrition from an early age.

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