School canteens: one in two children does not have access to them

Among the negative records of Italian schools is that of canteens: one child in two does not have access to this service. But the most serious thing is the incredible disparity in data on a geographical level: in the southern regions, at greater risk of food poverty (Where more canteens are needed, well-equipped and with quality food), school meal provision is at a minimum. In Sicily, only 10 percent of schools have canteens, in Calabria 18,8 percent, in Campania 12,3 percent, and in Molise 21,8 percent. In Piedmont, nearly 70 percent of schools have canteens. While half of the children are denied access to canteens, the other half waste the food they receive.

Le school canteens In Italy, they amplify two wastes: they are often dirty, with unqualified personnel and in dilapidated places. But the most serious thing is the enormous amount of food intended for students which is thrown in the garbage. waste at school They are not new and as far as canteens are concerned the data is shocking. In fact, it is estimated that in Italian schools a percentage of food is wasted that goes between 20 and 30 percent of all food served in canteens.

In particular, excess meals are left on plates, are prepared in larger quantities than necessary, or for one reason or another, find their way into the garbage before reaching the table.

At the top of the waste we find vegetable e vegetables raw o cooked, fruit e fish. Generally, this is also due to the fact that dishes prepared with these foods are not appreciated by students. Yet the problem only partially concerns the palate since what compromises the food are mostly a poor cuisine, low-quality products and security measures that are approximately close to nothing.

 

FOOD WASTE AT SCHOOL

The data regarding waste at school are alarming, especially when you consider theincrease of the costs for canteens in all regions, in favor of a poor service and which seems to care little about the incredible amount of food thrown in the trash.

A silent, daily ritual that mixes indifference and poor organization with the implicit and mistaken belief that in the end, no one pays.

Ma how do you get to this figure? mind-boggling in a country where, among other things, 80 percent of students in some regions, obviously in the South, do not have access to school canteen services?

HOW NOT TO WASTE FOOD AT SCHOOL

One of these new technological systems is Elior, which can recognize the type of waste that ends up in the garbage. In this way, with the help of a camera installed on the bin, it can detect the quantity of food thrown away during a set period of time.

In this way it is possible adapt the menu, scale back the kitchen and the meals and check what to eliminate and what to improveBut even simple gestures can help, such as bringing airtight containers to preserve food or donate excess food to non-profit organizations and local authorities.

WHY IS SO MUCH FOOD THROWN AWAY IN SCHOOL CANTEENS?

The main factor is the disorganizationIn general, in fact, meals are prepared without any real logic and, above all, the cooperatives are managed by inexperienced staff, lacking the relevant skills and paying no attention to the issue at all.

Another sore point concerns theeducation feed on both sides. In fact, both students and cafeteria workers are affected by this now unsustainable and unacceptable shortage.

Greater knowledge and awareness on the damage caused by food waste would lead to a different focus on these issues and to a significant reduction in waste.

However, the dynamics that can contribute to the poor outcome of the canteens There are several. Mismanagement, carelessness, neglect, lack of knowledge of the issue, and lack of expertise are just a few of those that can be cited.

WHO MAKES THE SCHOOL CANTEEN MENUS?

In accordance with the regulations in force, the main actors who contribute to the creation of a school menu are the common or schools same, together with the catering services manager ASL and families.

Each of them plays a very specific role in the selection, preparation, and control of the entire process. Therefore, the system is quite broad and tortuous. But the final diet is usually prepared by a nutritionist or expert in dietetics. This is entrusted to the municipality or, in the case of private schools, to the school.

SCHOOL CANTEEN SAFETY