Every 16 October the world celebrates World Food Day, established by FAO to reaffirm every person’s right to adequate nutrition. The theme chosen for 2025 — “Hand in hand for better nutrition and a better future” — invites us to join forces to ensure health and sustainability for the next generations.
The Italian Society of Human Nutrition (SINU) underlines how the challenge is no longer just guaranteeing food for all, but doing so while respecting the environment, health and social justice. “We must combine scientific expertise, social responsibility and educational commitment,” declared President Anna Tagliabue, “walking together — institutions, citizens, schools, professionals — to build a food model that respects nature and promotes collective well-being.”
Waste, inequalities and climate change
Agri-food systems today find themselves at the center of global challenges: climate crisis, conflicts, loss of biodiversity and inequalities. According to the OECD-FAO, global agricultural and fisheries production will grow by 14% by 2034, driven mainly by the consumption of foods of animal origin, already responsible for 57% of the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Added to this pressure is food waste: every year 1.3 billion tons of food are lost or thrown away around the world, equal to 132 kg per capita. In Italy, according to Waste Watcher Italia, the average waste in 2025 is 88.3 grams per day per person. Data which, in addition to weighing on the environment, represents a moral insult in a world where 733 million people suffer from hunger.
A double paradox: obesity and malnutrition
According to UNICEF, childhood obesity has now overtaken underweight as the most widespread form of malnutrition: one in ten children in the world is affected. “Millions of minors grow up in unhealthy food environments, where snacks, sugary drinks and fast food are accessible and aggressively advertised,” explained Francesca Scazzina, SINU councilor. These habits lead to nutrient-poor diets and a growing incidence of overweight, diabetes and psychological disorders.
In Italy, the OKkio alla Salute survey reveals that 19% of children are overweight and 10% obese. One in ten children skips breakfast and over a third consume it inadequately. Almost half spend more than two hours a day in front of screens and 19% do no physical activity.
Education and science to change course
For SINU, reversing the trend is only possible with a shared commitment based on scientific evidence. “With the revision of the LARN (i.e. the Reference Intake levels of nutrients and energy for the Italian population, ed.) and the new Food Pyramid, we have built tools capable of directing choices towards sustainable, healthy and plant-based models”, recalled President Tagliabue.
But a strong educational investment is also needed: involving schools, families and young people to spread food culture and a sense of responsibility towards the Planet. The future of nutrition – underlines SINU – passes through a sustainable bioeconomy, inclusive food policies and the reduction of waste along the entire supply chain.
SINU’s message is: no one can act alone. “Climate change, social inequalities and environmental degradation require global and coordinated policies,” concludes Tagliabue. “Only through research, education and cooperation can we guarantee everyone a more conscious, fair and environmentally friendly diet”.
