Prevention: the principles of the Mediterranean diet conquer New York

Initiated an Italy-US bridge on the universal themes of food, sport and health at a time when obesity and nutrition-related disorders are on the rise

by Health Review

18 November 2025

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Key points

The benefits of the Mediterranean diet
The Project: Educating for Well-Being through the "Five Colours"

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

The Festival of the 5 Colours, created with the aim of educating children (and their families) in the principles of well-being, conscious eating and the Mediterranean diet, has conquered New York. The first US edition of the project took place from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 November in the heart of Central Park with interactive workshops, play and sports activities, moments of scientific divulgation and creative laboratories.

The Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet

According to the latest international research, following the Mediterranean diet results in a significant reduction in the risk of chronic diseases. It also causes a 23% decrease in mortality from all causes. Spreading this lifestyle means not only educating on proper nutrition, but promoting a universal message of health, sustainability and conviviality, based on product quality and the pleasure of sharing. The success recorded confirms the Festival as an innovative model of education, prevention and cultural involvement at a time when obesity and diet-related disorders are on the rise globally. A bridge between Italy and the United States that speaks to everyone through the universal themes of food, sport and wellness.

The event was presented at the Consulate General of Italy in New York, where Lidia Bastianich was also presented with an award for her 'outstanding contribution to the dissemination of Italian culture and gastronomic excellence in the world'.

The first to support the initiative was Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani who, in a message, emphasised that 'enhancing Made in Italy means promoting in the world not only our products, but also our cultural identity, made up of quality, tradition and innovation. The 'Cinque Colori' project perfectly represents this spirit and our ability to combine education, sustainability and internationalisation'.

The Ambassador of Italy to the United States Marco Peronaci also reiterated the value of the initiative: 'With the "Cinque Colori" project we will promote the principles of the Mediterranean diet here in the United States: a way to bring the American public - starting with the youngest - closer to our lifestyle, as well as to our culture and the excellence of our agri-food chain.

Opening the Festival in New York, Consul General Fabrizio Di Michele said that 'initiatives such as this best represent Italy and its values. New York is certainly the American city that knows best about the Mediterranean diet and Italian culinary traditions, and yet the need for greater food education, especially among young people, is very much felt'.

The Project: Educating for Well-Being through the "Five Colours"

It is promoted by the Pancrazio Foundation and the 'five colours' (green, red, orange, purple and white) represent those of fruit and vegetables. "We wanted to turn food into a universal educational language," explained the project's creator, Maria Teresa Carpino. "This is the first edition in the United States and will be only the beginning of a journey that will continue over the years in both Rome and New York, in collaboration with institutions and schools. In four years, the project has reached 10 Italian regions, 90 municipalities, and 700 schools, involving more than 30,000 students in a dynamic and participatory food education programme.

"The Mediterranean Diet is a culture that unites different peoples of the Mediterranean around the common values of well-being, balance and sustainability. Promoting it together,' Ambassador to the United Nations Maurizio Massari said in a message, 'means reinforcing a universal message: eat well, live well and protect our planet. Italy, with the other Mediterranean countries, is particularly committed to spreading this heritage in a coordinated and inclusive manner. For this reason, we have recently proposed a Resolution to establish, on 16 November, the International Day of the Mediterranean Diet, which will be approved by the UN General Assembly by mid-December'.

Made in Italy and sustainability were the focus of the speech by ICE Director Erica Di Giovancarlo, who said: 'We could not fail to enthusiastically welcome a project that combines sport and food. Our work in the agri-food industry is to promote a Made in Italy made of quality, excellence and sustainability'.

Sport and Mediterranean Diet as a winning combination also for the CONI USA representative, Mico Licastro, who said: "The values promoted by the Pancrazio Foundation on the healthy food of the Mediterranean Diet and recreational-sports activity with the Festival of 5 Colours project go well with those promoted by the Italian National Olympic Committee, CONI, in our communities in the USA and in the other countries around the world where we are present.

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