The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Rome's municipal authority, Roma Capitale, today launched Together for Food Education, a joint initiative aimed at promoting healthy diets and sustainability in all municipal schools across the Italian capital.
The initiative was presented during an official ceremony hosted by the Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri at the historic Campidoglio, celebrating FAO's 80th anniversary in the presence of FAO Director-General QU Dongyu .
The educational campaign aims to raise awareness and strengthen knowledge among young students on nutrition, agrifood systems, and sustainable consumption practices among students of all ages. It focuses on core areas of FAO's mandate, including the promotion of healthy diets, the reduction of food loss and waste, and the fight against food insecurity.
"Through education, we can inspire the next generation," said FAO Director-General. "This is more than a campaign. It is a journey that will enable us to explore important themes such as healthy diets, food safety, and food waste," he added.
Interactive learning tools for every school level
For preschool children (ages 3-6), FAO is developing a Junior Activity Book to highlight, in a playful and accessible way, the importance of healthy diets and sustainable actions. The book will be part of a broader educational package, which also includes a specially illustrated board game inspired by the city of Rome, and a dedicated teaching kit for educators.
From October 2025, primary and secondary students will be able to join free guided tours of the new FAO Museum and Network for Food and Agriculture - FAO MuNe, which will be officially inaugurated on World Food Day, 16 October. Through interactive exhibits combining food, culture and innovation, the museum will help connect young visitors with FAO's work.
In addition, schools will have the opportunity to host FAO experts in the classroom, providing technical insights and fostering dialogue on agrifood systems, sustainability, and global food security challenges.
The FAO MuNe aims to serve as a permanent platform for public engagement, education, and exchange-helping to raise awareness and inspire action toward more inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems.
"Together, we are planting the seeds of change for a better future for all - for people, planet and prosperity," said the Director-General.
The Initiative reflects the long-standing collaboration between FAO and the Italian capital, which has hosted the Organization's headquarters since 1951, and underscores their shared vision for more sustainable agrifood systems and improved food security for future generations.
