On a crisp morning at Porta Palazzo, the chatter of vendors and the vibrant colors of fresh produce set the stage for a truly practical class. Among the bustling market stalls, UNISG students and Està staff gathered to uncover how a local initiative, the RePOPP project, is tackling food waste and inequality. This was just one of the hands-on experiences that brought to life the principles of the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact, connecting global ambitions with the realities of urban food systems.
The RePOPP project, short for Progetto Organico Porta Palazzo, operates at the heart of Europe’s largest open-air market. The Sentinelle dei Rifiuti (Waste Sentinels) collects unsold food and redistributes it to those in need. The initiative not only addresses food insecurity within the neighborhood of Porta Palazzo, directly impacting the lives of immigrants but also reduces waste. Walking through the market, we, the students, observed how this simple yet impactful solution exemplifies the transformative power of urban food policies when aligned with local needs and resources.
“It’s one thing to study global frameworks in the classroom,” noted Camilla Superina, my classmate from the Master’s program, “but seeing these policies in action, meeting the people involved, and understanding the challenges they face makes it real.”
This immersive learning continued back in the classroom, where we engaged directly with Valentina Avantaggiato, the Mayor of Melpignano. Her town, nestled in the southern region of Puglia, has gained attention for its innovative approach to food policy, prioritizing local producers, reducing environmental impacts, and fostering a sense of community. Mayor Avantaggiato shared candid insights about the delicate balance required to navigate political, economic, and social challenges while pursuing bold initiatives—including the complexities of decision-making at the local level.
The course also introduced us to Cascina Cuccagna, a 17th-century farmhouse in the heart of Milan. This unique urban space has become a center for cultural innovation and sustainable living, reconnecting city residents with agricultural traditions and demonstrating how urban food policies can revive the relationship between rural and urban environments. It is a vivid example of how historical spaces can be transformed into hubs for modern food systems.
To deepen our engagement with these case studies, we developed project proposals for each initiative. These proposals were built upon key learnings from the RePOPP, Melpignano, and Cascina Cuccagna, offering innovative ideas to strengthen their impacts and ensure financial sustainability. This exercise not only honed future gastronomes’ project management skills but also allowed us to critically apply this knowledge to real-world challenges.
Throughout the course, the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact served as a unifying thread, linking these experiences to a broader context. Signed by over 250 cities worldwide, the pact offers a roadmap for urban food systems to become more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient. By addressing challenges such as food security, waste management, and the preservation of biodiversity, the pact provides a framework for local governments to take meaningful action.
As cities around the world face mounting pressures from climate change, urbanization, and social inequality, the importance of these policies cannot be overstated. From the vibrant stalls of Porta Palazzo to the quiet determination of a small-town mayor in Melpignano and the revitalized agricultural roots of Cascina Cuccagna, these real-life experiences remind us that meaningful change happens where global ideas meet local action.
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These activities were part of the Green Innovation Lab course for the UNISG MSc in Food Industry Management program, developed in collaboration with EStà – Economia e Sostenibilità. My special thanks to Elena Corcione, Andrea Calori and his team (Bianca Minotti and Francesca La Rocca) for leading us through this amazing experience.
