Foodmetti and “Cavolo, che fico!” arrive in schools: free distribution of the comic book by Sio and Chef Tomei for food education in Tuscany has begun.
Tuscany’s most original food education project is now underway: thanks to LS Scuola, the free distribution of the comic book “Cavolo, che fico!” has officially begun, aimed at all third-year primary school pupils in the region.
The initiative is the result of a collaboration between Area Performance ODV and Foodmetti and is promoted and supported by the Regional Council of Tuscany and Vetrina Toscana, the region’s project, in collaboration with Unioncamere Toscana, which promotes food and wine tourism, under the direction of Toscana Promozione Turistica assisted by Fondazione Sistema Toscana.
“Wow, how cool!” is also sponsored by the Florence Chamber of Commerce and the Maremma and Tirreno Chamber of Commerce.
The aim is twofold: to introduce children to healthy and conscious eating through comics, a language that appeals to them, and to promote the values of seasonality, proximity, and the Mediterranean diet. The intention is to stimulate curiosity, break down prejudices towards “less popular” foods, and offer an educational and entertaining cultural and sensory experience.
A book created by a team of excellence
The heart of the project is a 64-page book, distributed free of charge to schools, created by a team of high-level professionals: the famous cartoonist Simone “Sio” Albrigi, creator of the surreal gags that accompany typical Tuscan products, and Chef Cristiano Tomei, who has created 12 original, healthy, simple, and quick recipes for children and families.
They are joined by two experts in taste and health: nutritionist Domenicantonio Galatà and food and wine journalist Carlo Spinelli, who playfully illustrate the nutritional properties, history, and territory of origin of the foods.
Each season of the year is represented by three typical Tuscan products, such as black cabbage, Carmignano figs, and Amiata mushrooms.
Each product is paired with a creative recipe and information sheets that illustrate its “superpowers” in a playful and accessible way, such as the artichoke from the Livorno coast, a true masked superhero, which hides a soft, sugary heart with a flavor similar to licorice behind its leathery armor and, thanks to its green shield, has the superpower to purify and regenerate those who consume it.
“Wow, how cool! – said the President of the Regional Council, Stefania Saccardi – we choose to talk to children in a language they can relate to: that of comics, games, and imagination. This is how important messages, such as food education and the value of a healthy diet, become accessible and engaging. This project combines creativity, health, and territorial identity, telling children that the products of our land, if known and respected, can become true allies of daily well-being. Investing in food education today means building a more aware Tuscany tomorrow.”
And then:
“This project,” comments Leonardo Marras, Councilor for Economy, Tourism, and Agriculture of the Region of Tuscany, “is a concrete example of how education, territory, and promotion can go hand in hand. It helps to reinforce the narrative of Tuscany through the agri-food excellence that we promote with Vetrina Toscana, bringing the younger generations closer to the values of quality, seasonality, and short supply chains and creating awareness from an early age. It is an original and direct tool for investing in the health of our children and, at the same time, supports the regional agricultural system and tourism linked to food and wine.”
Some of the books will be given to children participating in the “Erbe Amare da amare” (Bitter Herbs to Love) event to be held on February 7 in Livorno. The initiative is part of the Vetrina Toscana calendar of events dedicated to food education for children called “Vetrina Toscana Kids,” created in collaboration with Confesercenti Livorno and Slow Food.
A guaranteed success
The Cavolo, che fico! project, which was already presented with great success at Lucca Comics & Games and Lucca Collezionando, will reach around 25,000 schoolchildren in the Tuscany region over the coming months, a fundamental step towards instilling greater food awareness in future generations.
Cavolo, che fico! was created with the fundamental support of:
Grafiche Stella, LS Scuola, Scuola Internazionale di Comics (International School of Comics) in Florence, and Takeforshop.
