This Open Access book offers a multidisciplinary analysis of malnutrition in the Italian context, adopting an innovative approach that examines the phenomenon through three complementary perspectives: health and nutrition, economic, and organizational. The analysis focuses on several target groups, with particular attention to vulnerable populations, including individuals with low socioeconomic status (SES), children, autistic individuals, hospitalized patients, elderly people, and organizational employees. After outlining the specific needs and challenges faced by these groups in terms of health and nutrition, the book adopts an economic perspective, providing an overview of the costs associated with malnutrition and the policies implemented to address it. Special attention is given to initiatives aimed at promoting healthy diets and preventing and tackling childhood malnutrition.

The third part of the book presents empirical findings, based on qualitative data collected through in-depth interviews with some national organizations of the food sector—primarily B2B firms providing canteen services for schools and hospitals—as well as with some of their key stakeholders. The final chapter discusses managerial implications, directions for future research, and the limitations of the study. 

The Brief is primarily intended for researchers in nutrition, organizational studies, and management, as well as practitioners and organizations interested in enhancing the well-being of their employees and customers.

Beatrice Re is an Assistant Professor in Organization Studies at the University of Pavia. She teaches “organizational innovation” in the Master’s course “Economics and Business Management” at the University of Pavia. From November 2020 until April 2021, she was a visiting PhD fellow at the Turku School of Economics (Finland). Beatrice is interested in organizational change, employee well-being, and Diversity Management. She has published in international journals such as the British Journal of Management, British Food Journal, and Journal of Business Research.

Pietro Previtali is vice chancellor for Human Resources management and a Full Professor of Business Organization at the Department of Economics and Management, University of Pavia. He teaches and conducts research on public organization and management, with special emphasis on whistleblowing and on the organization of public services.