Abstract
In the year 2000, a programme was begun to improve school meals across the city of Rome. Initially,
organic fruit, vegetables, eggs, tinned tomatoes and cereals were introduced, followed by organic
mozzarella cheese and yoghurt in 2003. By 2005, almost all of the food served in schools was
organic, except bananas and chocolate, which are Fairtrade, and meat, which is sourced from mainly
extensively-reared national breeds. The scheme covers the whole of Rome where 140,000 organic
school meals are served every day, including special recipes for 4,000 children with dietary restrictions
due to health and religion. Seasonality is incorporated into summer and winter menus, as well as
weekly dishes, and fried, frozen and GM food are banned.