In Italy the Covid-19 pandemic has accentuated the already precarious state of the most vulnerable families. According to recent data, in 2020 the “new poor” - consisting of 4.6 million people living in extreme poverty in Italy - increased by over 1 million people, a number that is expected to double. The presence of minor children has further exposed these families to the consequences of the crisis, with an incidence of extreme poverty that has risen from 9.2% to 11.6%, following the improvement registered in 2019. With the changes in their daily dynamics and lifestyles, various pathological eating behaviours have become widespread among children. The average increase in the number of cases of eating disorders among adolescents between February 2020 and February 2021, was 30% compared with the same period in 2019-2020, with a lowering in the age range (13-16 years). In light of such an alarming scenario concerning this population group, Eni Foundation, through the “Non siete soli” initiative, after helping people over-80s in 2020, decided to renovate its commitment also in 2021, by aiding children and adolescents with eating disorders and their families. The project was developed in partnership with the Società Italiana di Pediatria (SIP), the Italian Relief Corps of the Order of Malta (CISOM), Fondazione Banco Alimentare and Caritas Ambrosiana.
Press release - Covid Crisis: The “Non siete soli” initiative continues
