Food poverty: the new frontier of social poverty

An increasingly central theme in public debate: food poverty will be the focus of the meeting “Food Poverty: The New Frontier of Social Poverty,” scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in Florence, in the Luca Giordano Room of Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Via Cavour 3.

The initiative brings together institutions, experts, and local organizations to analyze a growing phenomenon and identify potential intervention strategies.

A comparison between institutions, research and territory

The proceedings will open with institutional greetings from the President of the Tuscany Region, Eugenio Giani, and the Councilor of the Metropolitan City of Florence, Nicola Armentano, demonstrating the institutions’ attention to an increasingly urgent issue.

The conference will also feature numerous speakers from various fields, including Alessandra Nardini representing the Tuscany Region, Lorenzo Ballerini for the Municipality of Campi Bisenzio, and Nicola Sciclone, director of IRPET, along with representatives of the healthcare system, academia, and the third sector.

Food poverty: a new social emergency

Food poverty is one of the most visible manifestations of social inequality today, impacting people’s quality of life and health. The discussion promoted in Florence aims to explore the structural causes of the phenomenon, drawing together data, experiences, and public policies.

Speakers will include public health representatives such as Gianna Ciampi and Guendalina Allodi, university professor Gavino Maciocco, as well as representatives of Caritas, solidarity networks, and the world of cooperation, demonstrating an integrated approach to the problem.

The role of social networks and cooperation

Particular focus will be given to the role of local networks and social organizations in combating food poverty. The presence of organizations such as the Diocesan Caritas of Florence, Unicoop Firenze, and Federconsumatori highlights the importance of shared action between the public and private sectors.

The debate will be coordinated by Laura Grandi, president of Federconsumatori, while Mario Batistini, general secretary of SPI CGIL Florence, is also expected to participate.