Big demand(s), small supply – Muslim children in Italian school canteens: a cultural perspective

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to explore the food needs of a growing Muslim population in Italian kindergartens and primary schools and to provide a basis for further quantitative research.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is essentially qualitative – historical, anthropological, social sources were studied to set the scene for a number of interviews (now 14, eventually 20) with cultural mediators, who know the implications of both cultures, and are trained to see the differences. The results of the interviews were then validated through interactions with anthropologists, food and religious historians, religious authorities and others.

Findings

The main findings are that: food and food prohibitions bear fundamental religious and identity-related implications for Muslims, that reverberate onto migrants' children of school age and dramatically limit their access to canteen food; halal meat traders exist in Italy, and can provide legally compliant, halal-certified meat, but school/public administrations do not seem to be aware of their interest.

Research limitations/implications

The number of available mediators is relatively small, although they generally agree on all the basics. The research is qualitative and will require more in-depth analysis.

Practical implications

Better awareness of the Maghrebi Muslims' food requirements in school canteens. The need to develop a halal meat trade for public institutions and to lobby for the right of these children to bring packed lunches from home.

Originality/value

The paper has a heuristic value. It could have immediate implications for the stakeholders and, on the other hand, promote quantitative studies.

Citation

Giovine, R. (2014), "Big demand(s), small supply – Muslim children in Italian school canteens: a cultural perspective", Young Consumers, Vol. 15 No. 1, pp. 37-46. https://doi.org/10.1108/YC-03-2013-00359