Abstract

The essay analyzes the Italian and international debate on the normative recognition of the right to food within the legal systems of Europe and Latin America. According to the author, the right to food can be considered as an "ius existentiae", i.e. as the right to a minimum standard of living support. This right must be considered also as the social and existential prerequisite for the exercise of all the others fundamental rights. In this perspective, the right to food is closely linked to the right to a worthy and free existence of every person, which must find its own recognition not only at the international or State level, but which must also be directly implemented in the social policies by local authorities.