The Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) has joined the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as the newest member of the FAO Champions community. This partnership, announced on the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, aims to leverage the power of sport to promote healthy diets, reduce food loss and waste, and advance sustainability. The collaboration highlights rugby’s commitment to encouraging conscious food choices and supporting environmental and nutritional goals.
As FAO celebrates its 80th anniversary, FIR will engage athletes, fans, and communities across Italy and beyond in initiatives that promote better nutrition, sustainable production, and environmental stewardship. Key events include participation in World Food Day and Junior World Food Day at FAO Headquarters in Rome on 16–17 October, where FIR leadership and players from national and junior teams will take part in activities designed to raise awareness about healthy eating.
Youth engagement is a central focus of the partnership, featuring an interactive cooking session led by chef Alessandro Borghese alongside FIR players. This hands-on initiative aims to teach children about nutrition in an engaging and practical manner. Through these activities, FIR seeks to inspire the younger generation to make informed food choices and understand the impact of their actions on personal health, communities, and the environment.
FAO Deputy Director-General Maurizio Martina emphasized the role of sport in uniting people and amplifying messages about healthy eating, food waste reduction, and food security. FIR President Andrea Duodo highlighted rugby’s values of courage, discipline, and teamwork as guiding principles for promoting sustainability and combating hunger. Former Italy captain Leonardo Ghiraldini, responsible for Sustainability on the FIR Board, added that the sport teaches care and purposeful action, aiming to influence young people positively.
The partnership officially launches with the release of two videos: one addressing the reduction of food loss and waste, and another commemorating FAO’s 80th anniversary in anticipation of Junior World Food Day on 17 October 2025.
