For many, lockdowns, social distancing and face masks feel like a distant memory. But for many Italians, the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic are sharply present as many struggles in both relative and absolute poverty daily. 

COVID-19 first arrived in Europe in Italy, with the first case confirmed on February 21, 2020. Since then, the country has been one of the hardest hit by the virus, with the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring almost 26 million confirmed cases and 190,782 deaths between January 2020 and June 2023. 

COVID-19’s Effect on the Italian Economy

The Italian government took measures to cap the spread of COVID-19. Lockdowns, the closure of non-essential businesses and social distancing changed the shape of Italians’ daily lives. Heavy bureaucracy and inefficiencies in the public sector meant significant delays in government payments to families and businesses worst affected. Further, public sector resources were stretched. Consequently, many businesses closed their doors for good, and have not since reopened. The pandemic triggered the worst recession since World War II, which saw Italy’s economy shrink by 8.9% in 2020, and with it an increase of families in absolute poverty. 

Today, Italy is still recovering from the economic effects of the pandemic. Approximately 5.6 million people experienced food insecurity in 2021, meaning they could not afford essential goods and services needed to meet the accepted minimum standard of living. This is the worst rate of absolute poverty since 2005, with 5.6 million, or 9.4% of the population, experiencing absolute poverty. Before the pandemic, in 2019, the figure stood at 7.7% of the population. Moreover, 22% of the Italian population is at risk of food poverty. 

Further, a study from Eurostat shows the extent of poverty in Italy compared to other EU countries. Eurostat defines poverty and social exclusion as those who are either at risk of poverty (determined by disposable income) and/or face severe social and material deprivation (determined by their ability to afford a set minimum of items or social activities in addition to the employment of a household). 

Eurostat found that 21.6% of the population is at risk of poverty or social exclusion — Italy ranks highly above the EU average. These figures show that poverty is on the rise in Italy. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the Italian economy and thus the most financially vulnerable groups. 

Mission Bambini

As the Italian economy faces the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, on the ground, there are an array of organizations working to alleviate poverty in the country. Mission Bambini focuses on the health and education of children across the country by working to expand employment and educational opportunities. Some projects include the Scintilla project which aims to make childcare and nurseries more accessible. Mission Bambini also created ‘Second Chance Schools’ for traditional school dropouts. As a result, 12,978 children have accessed early learning services, while 1,239 young people have joined job counseling and training programs. 

La Ronda Della Solidarietà

Further, La Ronda Della Solidarietà ODV of Rome has supported Rome’s homeless by providing food, blankets and medical supplies to those on the street. As the number of the city’s homeless has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, so too have its efforts and resources. 

Cooperazione Internazionale

Similarly, in Milan, the Cooperazione Internazionale has been aiding families in poverty by distributing food, baby products and necessities to those in need under the Fighting Poverty in Italy Project. Additionally, the project helps families by seeking legal and parental support to families where necessary. The organization works closely with the municipality of Milan to identify those most vulnerable to offer them aid. The project has been a massive success, with 35 million tons of food distributed by August 2022. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has created economic hardship for millions of vulnerable Italians. However, in the wake of increased food insecurity and both relative and absolute poverty, charities in Italy have expanded their resources to help mitigate the worst effects of poverty. 

– Lucy Wing
Photo: Unsplash