In Italy, over 5.7 million people, including 1.3 million children, live in absolute poverty, while nearly 8.5 million face relative poverty. Rising food prices and inadequate public policies are pushing more people into vulnerability, forcing families to adopt strategies that compromise their nutrition, health, and long-term stability.

Since 2022, Action Against Hunger Italy has been addressing this crisis through the programme “Mai più fame: dall’emergenza all’autonomia” (No more hunger: from emergency to self-sufficiency), currently active in Milan and Naples, and set to expand to new cities starting in 2026. The initiative integrates immediate assistance with long-term empowerment, including food support, nutrition education, and employment training. In 2024, 203 people took part in the programme’s training pathways.

In partnership with local actors, we identified vulnerable families, assessed levels of food insecurity and economic hardship, and delivered tailored, multi-dimensional support. A participatory approach ensured that each beneficiary could help shape their own journey toward self-sufficiency.

In Milan and Naples, 103 and 100 families respectively were supported with prepaid food cards and guidance on healthy eating. In both locations, we also provided workshops and one-to-one nutrition support. Alongside this, we also provided support with employment, leading to 59 new contracted job placements and 6 new businesses, and 28 people returning to education.

At the national level, Action Against Hunger continues to advocate for structural solutions to food insecurity and poverty. We work alongside institutions and civil society to promote equitable, sustainable, and dignified access to food and the implementation of adequate welfare policies for all.