The FOOT project is a technical assistance initiative funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI). Its primary objective is to support Italy’s strategic role and contribution within the UN Food Systems Summit Coalitions of Action “Food is Never Waste” and “True Value of Food”. The project is implemented by CIHEAM Bari in collaboration with the University of Bologna for the Food is Never Waste component and the University of Siena – Santa Chiara Lab for the True Value of Food component.

FOOT engages stakeholders from countries that are strategic partners of Italian development cooperation, including countries in North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Mediterranean region, as well as international organizations and institutions. Through this network, the project seeks to expand participation in the two Coalitions, strengthen international partnerships, and create new opportunities for cooperation with Italian institutions and expertise.

A central goal of the initiative is to support partner countries in developing and implementing effective local strategies to prevent and reduce food loss and waste (FLW), while also promoting methodologies and dialogue on the true value of food across selected agri-food value chains. To achieve this, the project promotes an integrated and context-specific approach that combines technical assistance, policy dialogue and capacity-building activities, while encouraging collaboration among multiple stakeholders.
The project is closely aligned with the Food Coalition, the global platform established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and promoted by the Italian Government to foster collective action towards more sustainable and resilient food systems.

Italy plays a leading role in shaping international policies on food security, sustainable agriculture, climate change adaptation and food system resilience. Drawing on its extensive experience and best practices, the country contributes to global efforts aimed at building food systems that are more equitable, sustainable and capable of addressing contemporary challenges.
By strengthening the two Coalitions of Action launched during the UN Food Systems Summit, FOOT contributes to reinforcing Italy’s international role in the field of food security. At the same time, it seeks to capitalize on the knowledge and expertise developed in the areas of food loss and waste reduction and the true value of food, supporting evidence-based decision-making in countries that are strategic priorities for Italian cooperation.
As part of the Spreco Zero Campaign, we will dedicate particular attention to the Food Is Never Waste Coalition.