Analysis of eating habits and lifestyles in the area of Padua

Local authorities need analytical tools capable of guiding the city of Padua towards healthy and sustainable food choices by improving nutritional models and public canteen service delivery models. Local authorities are increasingly crucial in promoting the desired food and health transition through concrete policies and actions, in order to guide service planning, update catering contracts and involve schools, families and local stakeholders more closely in an integrated vision of public health.

The project is divided into two phases: the first phase involves analysis through a representative survey, constructed according to a scientific approach and validated together with the local council, with the collection and processing of data relating to food choices, waste, menu acceptance and healthy behaviours. The second phase translates the findings into an operational action plan: nutritional models adapted to different school targets, actions to improve the catering service and dissemination materials for the presentation of the main results, findings, implications and opportunities of the project.

The project enables the public administration to improve the eating habits of students and their families, guiding them towards healthier and more sustainable food choices. It also has a significant impact on citizens' health and wellbeing through the preparation of meal plans, the collection of information on eating habits and lifestyles, the definition of “healthy” and “unhealthy” models, and the promotion of sustainable local products.