On the occasion of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World, the Consulate of Italy in Adelaide organized a special event, in collaboration with Slow Food South Australia and End Food Waste, to raise public awareness about the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet, its importance in promoting food sustainability, and its role in the fight against food waste. The event attracted numerous guests and focused on the theme “La Dieta Mediterranea e la Cucina delle Radici: Salute e Tradizione”.
The event was opened by the Consul of Italy, Ernesto Pianelli, who highlighted the significance of the Mediterranean Diet as a food model that combines health, tradition, and sustainability, making a meaningful contribution to human well-being and environmental protection.
The meeting was enriched by contributions from experts who explored various aspects related to sustainability and responsible food consumption. Tania Paola, Leader of the Slow Food South Australia Committee, explained how the Mediterranean diet promotes a healthy cuisine that respects natural resources, emphasizing the importance of food practices that preserve ecological balance. Dr. Steven Lapidge, CEO of End Food Waste, provided a global and Australian overview of the food waste issue, outlining the scope of the problem and the urgency of adopting concrete policies to reduce waste both locally and internationally. Mandy Hall, coordinator of the national campaign The Great Unwaste, presented the goals and actions of the campaign, emphasizing how it is gaining momentum in Australia and abroad by promoting a culture of mindful consumption and reducing food waste.
The Consulate of Italy expressed full support for this campaign, recognizing its social and environmental importance. Through its active involvement, the Consulate promotes values of sustainability and responsibility, encouraging community participation and spreading best practices aimed at combating food waste.
The event continued with a culinary demonstration by chefs Rosa Matto and Kane Pollard, who prepared Mediterranean dishes reinterpreted in a sustainable way. Using “rescued” ingredients and local resources, the chefs created dishes that minimize food waste and make the most of every part of the ingredients, in perfect alignment with the principles of Cucina Povera—a culinary tradition that rejects waste and promotes the whole use of food.
Together with its partners, Slow Food SA and End Food Waste, the Consulate of Italy celebrated rooted cuisine as a symbol of cultural resistance and creativity. This tradition not only celebrates the gastronomic richness of the Mediterranean Diet but also addresses global challenges related to food sustainability and nutritional security. The event underscored how the Mediterranean Diet represents an ideal model for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlighted the urgency of reducing food waste, a critical issue for our future.
The Consulate of Italy warmly thanks all the participants and guests for their contribution to making this event a success, reinforcing the connection between culture, health, and sustainability. It is hoped that this model will inspire other local and global communities to adopt Mediterranean cuisine and Italian traditions as examples of balance between respect for the environment and human well-being.
