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A report by the Aletheia Observatory, presented in Rome, has highlighted a growing concern among younger generations: the habitual consumption of ultra-processed foods 鈥 sweet and salty snacks, sugary drinks, ready-made meals 鈥 has become embedded in daily routines, while fruit, vegetables, and even breakfast are increasingly being neglected.
The research presents concerning figures:
Over 50% of Italian children consume sweet snacks more than three times a week;
One in four drinks carbonated beverages daily;
25% of young people fail to include fruits and vegetables in their daily diet;
10.9% skip breakfast altogether, while approximately one-third have an inadequate breakfast.
These habits are reflected in alarming health data: 9.6% of children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 are classified as obese, while 27.3% are overweight. The associated health risks include obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and behavioural problems, with long-term implications for the national healthcare system, which already incurs costs of approximately 12 billion euros annually.
The report鈥檚 authors emphasise the key role school canteens can play in driving change. Currently, 41% of primary school children across Europe have access to free or subsidised school meals 鈥 a figure that rises to 61% in high-income countries. In 2023, global public investment in school meal programmes exceeded 48 billion dollars, with the European Union contributing over 12 billion euros annually and reaching around 25 million young people.
Riccardo Fargione, Director of Aletheia, noted that 鈥渆very dollar invested in school canteens in low- and middle-income countries generates a return of 17 times the amount,鈥 underlining the relevance of such measures even within the healthcare systems of developed nations.
Stefano Lucchini, President of the Foundation, added, 鈥淕ood nutrition learned from childhood fosters lifelong healthy habits. Otherwise, we risk raising not informed citizens, but future patients.
The picture painted by the Aletheia report calls for decisive, structured action in favour of prevention, with schools positioned as a frontline defence. A balanced diet 鈥 integrated into children鈥檚 daily lives 鈥 is not only essential for individual well-being but represents a rational, sustainable investment for society as a whole.