Despite the improvements made to meals offered in Italian school canteens, children seem to remain indifferent. In fact, a significant amount of food ends up in the garbage, with almost half of the dishes rejected. These data come from the 9th School Menu Rating by Foodinsider, which examined a representative sample of a third of canteens in the country.
The analysis shows that the quality of meals has increased in 44% of cases compared to the previous year. However, 20% of menus have decreased. Municipalities that have renewed tenders, such as Trento and Frosinone, have shown significant progress. Since 2020, the introduction of the Minimum Environmental Criteria law has helped make menus healthier and more sustainable. There is a greater variety of foods, with an increase in organic products and legumes. However, many pupils remain reluctant to try new dishes, often taking refuge in more familiar options such as plain pasta and bread.
Schools that offer nutrition education and have in-house kitchens have achieved better results, promoting a calmer environment and more attentive service.
According to MP Claudio Mancini, the school canteen system can play a fundamental role in the Agrifood sector, supporting sustainable territorial development. The annual ranking saw Sesto Fiorentino triumph over 60 municipalities, followed by Parma and Fano. Cremona stands out for the gastronomic skill of its kitchen staff. The South is also showing signs of recovery with cities like Bari and Syracuse, the latter reporting an increase of 57 points compared to the previous year. Claudia Paltrinieri, president of Foodinsider, highlights how Sesto Fiorentino has eliminated plastic and processed foods from its menus.
The report revealed that Northern Italy continues to boast the highest number of high-quality canteens, representing 37% of the total versus 11% in the South. The regions of Lombardy and Marche are leaders in promoting food quality in schools. However, the situation remains critical for many areas of the country. In particular, the worst performing municipalities include Pescara and Viterbo. It is clear that much work remains to be done to ensure that every child can benefit from healthy and appetizing school meals. The future of Italian school canteens will depend on the collective commitment to greater quality and sustainability in food service.
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