On Friday 24 January 2025 from 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m., the training event organized by the Operational Unit of the Cnr project in Rome of the project of Relevant National Interest LO-VEg.
In collaboration with the National Union of Agri-Food and Environmental Journalists – Unarga, the Lazio Order of Journalists and the Italian Association of Public and Institutional Communication.
Raising awareness among elementary school children and their parents about the importance of consuming more vegetables and legumes to prevent childhood obesity is really important. And it will be even more useful to present the first results of the Project of Relevant National Interest LO-VEg.
A really important and well-organized event. Involving various institutions and organizations such as the National Union of Agri-Food and Environmental Journalists (Unarga), the Order of Journalists Lazio and the Italian Association of Public and Institutional Communication will certainly make this initiative even more effective and meaningful.
It is a great opportunity to discuss the results of the field trial of the Project of Relevant National Interest LO-VEg and to raise awareness of the importance of a healthy diet for children.
The LO-VEg Project, funded by the MUR, has a really important goal: to raise awareness among children and parents on the importance of consuming more vegetables and legumes. Not only does it aim to promote healthier eating habits but also to support food choices that are good for the environment.
Preventing childhood obesity is a crucial mission, and this project seems to address the challenge comprehensively and effectively.
The LO-VEg project seems really innovative and well studied. Using nudging in elementary schools to guide children’s behaviors towards healthier food choices is a very smart strategy. Involving teachers also ensures that the message is well integrated into the educational context.
Dissemination tools such as the original song and the comic from the CNR “Comics & Science” series are fantastic ideas to make learning fun and engaging for children. This creative approach can really make a difference in the way little ones perceive and appreciate vegetables and legumes.
It seems that the LO-VEg project has all the credentials to have a significant positive impact.
The LO-VEg project is facing a fundamental and impactful challenge. Assessing the effectiveness of interventions to improve children’s nutrition and prevent obesity is crucial. In addition, reducing food waste in school canteens not only helps to conserve natural resources, but also contributes to the decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.
It is impressive that, in Italy, 21.7% of meals provided by school canteens are wasted and that side dishes are the type of food most avoided by pupils. This figure highlights how necessary a change in children’s eating habits is.
The participation of the Operational Units of the Cnr Rome, the University of Milan and the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in the event testifies to the importance and seriousness of this project.
10.15 am – 11.30 am Presentation of the LO-VEg project: animation and song projection for elementary school children Moderator: Manuela Biancospino, journalist ODG Lazio councillor – Nudging: a “gentle push” to eat better. Preliminary results of a study to promote vegetable consumption among children. University of Milan Alessia Cavaliere, principal investigator, and Elisa De Marchi; – Facilitators and barriers: nutritional secrets and school canteens, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart Elena Castellari; – The channels and products of communication/information and dissemination, National Research Council Silvia Mattoni, Barbara Dragoni, Alessandro Celestini, Ilaria Schizzi; – Using Comics to promote healthier food choices: presentation of the Comics&Science issue
Here is a summary of the participants for institutional greetings:
Roberto Natalini: Director of INR-IAC
Prof. David Della Morte Canosci: Advisor to the Minister, Ministry of University and Research
Dr. Sergio Iavicoli: Director General of Communication, Ministry of Health
Dr. Teresa Nicolazzi: Director General of General Affairs and Budget, Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry
Antonello Aurigemma: President of the Lazio Regional Council
Guido D’Ubaldo: President of the Order of Journalists of Lazio
Roberto Rossi: Vice-President of the Order of Journalists of Lazio
Leda Guidi: President of the Italian Association of Public and Institutional Communication
Roberto Ambrogi: Vice President of Unarga and President of Arga Lazio
The presence of these representatives underlines the importance of the LO-VEg project and the event itself.
It really seems like a unique opportunity to make significant strides in raising awareness and promoting healthy eating habits for children.