Food (in)Equality

The objective of the "Food (in)equality“ research Group is to critically analyse the relation between food and global inequalities, assessing the implications of current food regimes on food production and consumption, as well as the relation between food and socio-political conflicts.

The research aims at considering the implications and relations between food production and consumption on the one hand, and, on the other hand, social and cultural inequalities in the world. “The meal” is considered as a map to understand phenomena and elements that affect and perpetuate inequalities and injustices. The study focuses on the connections between global changes, new production methods and social\labour injustices related to food. It pays particular attention to the viewpoint and social action of movements, networks, and groups engaged in combating such inequalities, seeking food production that is critical, equitable and intercultural. The research develops:

a) analysis of the “radial-dynamic” characteristic of production and communication activities embodied in food, intended as observation of the plasticity of production and consumption modes influenced by exploitation, marketing, changing of rules, as well as cultural, identity and social dimensions that redefine social groups;

b) analysis of the role played by law in determining/modulating action networks leading to food production and consumption, with specific reference to human rights;

c) analysis of the legal implications on health, at a biological and cultural/economic level;

d) analysis of the connection between conflicts and food insecurity, to understand how unequal access to food can contribute to dynamics of political mobilisation and the outbreak of conflicts, especially in countries of the Global South.

COORDINATOR: Stefania Fucci

MEMBERS: Agnella Costanza, Anderlini Jacopo, Blasetti Eugenia, Castelli Emanuele, Corigliano Fabio, Franzoso Giacomo, Maci Francesca, Papale Simone, Pasqua Alessandro, Pellegrino Vincenza, Perin Chiara, Sarli Annavittoria, Scivoletto Chiara, Selmi Giulia, Semprebon Michela, Torretta Paola, Valenti Veronica

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Food (In)Equality Research Group, in collaboration with the Food Innovation Research Group, organized an online seminar series between 2025 and 2026 entitled: “Ildiritto al cibo nei luoghi di detenzione. Tra diritto e società. La questionepenitenziaria”.

Recordings of the events are available here. The seminars were held in Italian.

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December 2, 2025

RELIGIONI, CULTURA E CIBO NEI LUOGHI DI DETENZIONE

->Watch the recording of the session.

Introduction by:

Giovanni Francesco Basini, Director of the Department of Law, Political and International Studies

Stefania Fucci, University of Parma

Speakers:

Giancarlo Anello, University of Parma

Hamdan Al-Zeqri, Member of the National Executive Board of UCOII and Delegate for Relations with Prisons and the Department of Penitentiary Administration

Mounia El-Fasi, Cultural Mediator and President of the Association Donne Di Qui e di Là

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February 26, 2026

VIVERE E SOPRAVVIVERE: IL VITTO E SOPRAVVITTO NELLADIMENSIONE PENITENZIARIA

-> Watch the recording of the session.

Introduction by:

Veronica Valenti, University of Parma

Speakers:

Gaia Messori, University of Parma

Roberto Cavalieri, Ombudsperson for the Rights of Persons Deprived of Personal Liberty, Emilia-Romagna Region

Antonino Carlo, Judge at the Italian Court of Auditors (Corte dei Conti), Regional Audit Section for Emilia-Romagna

Gabriella Stramaccioni, Former Ombudsperson for the Rights of Persons Deprived of Personal Liberty, Municipality of Rome

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March 24, 2026

MANGIARE IN GALERA: ISTITUZIONI ED ECONOMIE TRA SAPERI EPRATICHE

-> Watch the recording of the session.

Introduction by:

• Fabio Cassibba and Chiara Scivoletto, University of Parma

Speakers:

• Roberta Dameno and Emma Sofia Lunghi, University of Milano-Bicocca
• Francesca Cerbini, University of Palermo
• Silvia Polleri, Founder of the InGalera Restaurant at Milan Bollate Prison

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May 5, 2026

CIBO: IDENTITA’, DISEGUAGLIANZE, SALUTE. ESPERIENZE DALCARCERE in collaboration with CNUPP, Conferenza Nazionale PoliUniversitari Penitenziari  

-> Watch the recording of the session.

Introduction by:

Vincenza Pellegrino, University of Parma

Speakers:

Irene Valota, Serena Mambriani, Antonio Dragone, and Chiara Cacciani (Testimonies from incarcerated students), Parma University Prison Program (Polo Universitario Penitenziario di Parma)

Francesca Vianello, University of Padua (Università di Padova)

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