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  • PRATO, ITALY - 25 NOVEMBER 2019: A view of the quality control area of Marini Industrie, a textile company that has survived Chinese competition in Prato, Italy, on November 25th 2019. Marini Industrie is one of the few companies in Prato that weren’t hit by Chinese competition, by elevating their quality.<br />
<br />
Italy has proved especially vulnerable to China’s emergence as a manufacturing juggernaut, given that many of its artisanal trades -- textiles, leather, shoe-making -- have long been dominated by small, family-run businesses that lacked the scale to compete on price with factories in a nation of 1.4 billion people. <br />
In recent years, four Italian regions that were as late as the 1980s electing Communists and then reliably supported center-left candidates -- Tuscany, Umbria, Marche and Emilia-Romagna  -- have swung dramatically to the extreme right. Many working class people say that delineation has it backwards: The left abandoned them, not the other way around. <br />
<br />
Between 2001 and 2011, Prato’s 6,000 textile companies shrunk to 3,000, and those employed by the plants plunged from 40,000 to 19,000, according to Confindustria, the leading Italian industrial trade association. As Prato’s factories went dark, people began arriving from China - mostly from the coastal city of Wenzhou, famed for its industriousness - to exploit an opportunity.<br />
They set up sewing machines across the concrete floors and imported fabric from factories in China. They sewed clothes, cannily imitating the styles of Italian fashion brands. They affixed a valuable label to their creations: “Made In Italy”.
    SMAS_20191125_NYT_Italy-Crisis_DSCF7...jpg
  • PRATO, ITALY - 25 NOVEMBER 2019: Claudio Vivarelli (53) is seen here checking the quality of a fabric at Marini Industrie, a textile company that has survived Chinese competition in Prato, Italy, on November 25th 2019. Claudio Vivarelli has been working at Marini Industrie for 20 years. Marini Industrie is one of the few companies in Prato that weren’t hit by Chinese competition, by elevating their quality.<br />
<br />
Italy has proved especially vulnerable to China’s emergence as a manufacturing juggernaut, given that many of its artisanal trades -- textiles, leather, shoe-making -- have long been dominated by small, family-run businesses that lacked the scale to compete on price with factories in a nation of 1.4 billion people. <br />
In recent years, four Italian regions that were as late as the 1980s electing Communists and then reliably supported center-left candidates -- Tuscany, Umbria, Marche and Emilia-Romagna  -- have swung dramatically to the extreme right. Many working class people say that delineation has it backwards: The left abandoned them, not the other way around. <br />
<br />
Between 2001 and 2011, Prato’s 6,000 textile companies shrunk to 3,000, and those employed by the plants plunged from 40,000 to 19,000, according to Confindustria, the leading Italian industrial trade association. As Prato’s factories went dark, people began arriving from China - mostly from the coastal city of Wenzhou, famed for its industriousness - to exploit an opportunity.<br />
They set up sewing machines across the concrete floors and imported fabric from factories in China. They sewed clothes, cannily imitating the styles of Italian fashion brands. They affixed a valuable label to their creations: “Made In Italy”.
    SMAS_20191125_NYT_Italy-Crisis_DSCF7...jpg
  • PRATO, ITALY - 25 NOVEMBER 2019: Luca Campigli (56),  walks by the stocked fabric samples at Marini Industrie, a textile company that has survived Chinese competition in Prato, Italy, on November 25th 2019. Luca Campagni has been working at Marini Industrie for 27 years. Marini Industrie is one of the few companies in Prato that weren’t hit by Chinese competition, by elevating their quality.<br />
<br />
Italy has proved especially vulnerable to China’s emergence as a manufacturing juggernaut, given that many of its artisanal trades -- textiles, leather, shoe-making -- have long been dominated by small, family-run businesses that lacked the scale to compete on price with factories in a nation of 1.4 billion people. <br />
In recent years, four Italian regions that were as late as the 1980s electing Communists and then reliably supported center-left candidates -- Tuscany, Umbria, Marche and Emilia-Romagna  -- have swung dramatically to the extreme right. Many working class people say that delineation has it backwards: The left abandoned them, not the other way around. <br />
<br />
Between 2001 and 2011, Prato’s 6,000 textile companies shrunk to 3,000, and those employed by the plants plunged from 40,000 to 19,000, according to Confindustria, the leading Italian industrial trade association. As Prato’s factories went dark, people began arriving from China - mostly from the coastal city of Wenzhou, famed for its industriousness - to exploit an opportunity.<br />
They set up sewing machines across the concrete floors and imported fabric from factories in China. They sewed clothes, cannily imitating the styles of Italian fashion brands. They affixed a valuable label to their creations: “Made In Italy”.
    SMAS_20191125_NYT_Italy-Crisis_DSCF7...jpg
  • PRATO, ITALY - 26 NOVEMBER 2019: Chinese immigrants are seen here in a public park by an abandoned wool mill, closed in 2002, in the Chinatown of Prato, Italy, on November 26th 2019.<br />
<br />
Today, roughly one-tenth of the city’s 200,000 inhabitants are Chinese immigrants who have arrived legally, while many estimates put the total number at 45,000 after accounting for those without proper documents. <br />
Chinese grocery stores and restaurants have emerged to serve the local population. On the outskirts of the city, Chinese entrepreneurs oversee warehouses teeming with racks of clothing destined for markets across the continent. Estimates have it that 80 percent of clothing sold in street markets within the European Union is made by Chinese workers in Prato.<br />
<br />
<br />
Italy has proved especially vulnerable to China’s emergence as a manufacturing juggernaut, given that many of its artisanal trades -- textiles, leather, shoe-making -- have long been dominated by small, family-run businesses that lacked the scale to compete on price with factories in a nation of 1.4 billion people. <br />
In recent years, four Italian regions that were as late as the 1980s electing Communists and then reliably supported center-left candidates -- Tuscany, Umbria, Marche and Emilia-Romagna  -- have swung dramatically to the extreme right. Many working class people say that delineation has it backwards: The left abandoned them, not the other way around. <br />
<br />
Between 2001 and 2011, Prato’s 6,000 textile companies shrunk to 3,000, and those employed by the plants plunged from 40,000 to 19,000, according to Confindustria, the leading Italian industrial trade association. As Prato’s factories went dark, people began arriving from China - mostly from the coastal city of Wenzhou, famed for its industriousness - to exploit an opportunity.<br />
They set up sewing machines across the concrete floors and imported fabric from factories in China. They sewed clothes, cannily imitating the styles of Italian fashion brands. The
    SMAS_20191126_NYT_Italy-Crisis_DSCF7...jpg
  • PRATO, ITALY - 25 NOVEMBER 2019: Rolls of fabrics are stored here in the warehouse of Marini Industrie, a textile company that has survived Chinese competition in Prato, Italy, on November 25th 2019. Marini Industrie is one of the few companies in Prato that weren’t hit by Chinese competition, by elevating their quality.<br />
<br />
Italy has proved especially vulnerable to China’s emergence as a manufacturing juggernaut, given that many of its artisanal trades -- textiles, leather, shoe-making -- have long been dominated by small, family-run businesses that lacked the scale to compete on price with factories in a nation of 1.4 billion people. <br />
In recent years, four Italian regions that were as late as the 1980s electing Communists and then reliably supported center-left candidates -- Tuscany, Umbria, Marche and Emilia-Romagna  -- have swung dramatically to the extreme right. Many working class people say that delineation has it backwards: The left abandoned them, not the other way around. <br />
<br />
Between 2001 and 2011, Prato’s 6,000 textile companies shrunk to 3,000, and those employed by the plants plunged from 40,000 to 19,000, according to Confindustria, the leading Italian industrial trade association. As Prato’s factories went dark, people began arriving from China - mostly from the coastal city of Wenzhou, famed for its industriousness - to exploit an opportunity.<br />
They set up sewing machines across the concrete floors and imported fabric from factories in China. They sewed clothes, cannily imitating the styles of Italian fashion brands. They affixed a valuable label to their creations: “Made In Italy”.
    SMAS_20191125_NYT_Italy-Crisis_DSCF7...jpg
  • PRATO, ITALY - 25 NOVEMBER 2019: Wool fabric samples are seen here at Marini Industrie, a textile company that has survived Chinese competition in Prato, Italy, on November 25th 2019. Marini Industrie is one of the few companies in Prato that weren’t hit by Chinese competition, by elevating their quality.<br />
<br />
Italy has proved especially vulnerable to China’s emergence as a manufacturing juggernaut, given that many of its artisanal trades -- textiles, leather, shoe-making -- have long been dominated by small, family-run businesses that lacked the scale to compete on price with factories in a nation of 1.4 billion people. <br />
In recent years, four Italian regions that were as late as the 1980s electing Communists and then reliably supported center-left candidates -- Tuscany, Umbria, Marche and Emilia-Romagna  -- have swung dramatically to the extreme right. Many working class people say that delineation has it backwards: The left abandoned them, not the other way around. <br />
<br />
Between 2001 and 2011, Prato’s 6,000 textile companies shrunk to 3,000, and those employed by the plants plunged from 40,000 to 19,000, according to Confindustria, the leading Italian industrial trade association. As Prato’s factories went dark, people began arriving from China - mostly from the coastal city of Wenzhou, famed for its industriousness - to exploit an opportunity.<br />
They set up sewing machines across the concrete floors and imported fabric from factories in China. They sewed clothes, cannily imitating the styles of Italian fashion brands. They affixed a valuable label to their creations: “Made In Italy”.
    SMAS_20191125_NYT_Italy-Crisis_DSCF7...jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Matteo Marzana, head of the the charity "L'Abbraccio" (Italian for The Hug), poses for a portrait at the charity headquarters in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020. <br />
<br />
L'Abbraccio is  a charity which has focused on assisting the newly poor since the 2008 financial crisis.<br />
<br />
In less than two months, the number of families who have turned to L’Abbraccio to feed themselves has jumped from 160 families to over 500.<br />
<br />
“They are not people who live in extreme poverty, but people who have found themselves poor because of the economic crisis,” says the heady of the charity Matteo Marzana.  They include swathes of the population employed off the books and thus largely excluded from the state’s welfare safety net.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306257.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Antonella Maresca, a 54 years old part-time cleaning lady and care giver now relying on food handouts from the charity "L'Abbraccio" (Italian for The Hug), poses for a portrait at the charity headquarters in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020. <br />
<br />
L'Abbraccio is  a charity which has focused on assisting the newly poor since the 2008 financial crisis.<br />
<br />
In less than two months, the number of families who have turned to L’Abbraccio to feed themselves has jumped from 160 families to over 500.<br />
<br />
“They are not people who live in extreme poverty, but people who have found themselves poor because of the economic crisis,” says the heady of the charity Matteo Marzana.  They include swathes of the population employed off the books and thus largely excluded from the state’s welfare safety net.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306065.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Matteo Marzana, head of the the charity "L'Abbraccio" (Italian for The Hug), poses for a portrait in his car in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020. <br />
<br />
L'Abbraccio is  a charity which has focused on assisting the newly poor since the 2008 financial crisis.<br />
<br />
In less than two months, the number of families who have turned to L’Abbraccio to feed themselves has jumped from 160 families to over 500.<br />
<br />
“They are not people who live in extreme poverty, but people who have found themselves poor because of the economic crisis,” says the heady of the charity Matteo Marzana.  They include swathes of the population employed off the books and thus largely excluded from the state’s welfare safety net.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306216.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Matteo Marzana, head of the the charity "L'Abbraccio" (Italian for The Hug), poses for a portrait at the charity headquarters in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020. <br />
<br />
L'Abbraccio is  a charity which has focused on assisting the newly poor since the 2008 financial crisis.<br />
<br />
In less than two months, the number of families who have turned to L’Abbraccio to feed themselves has jumped from 160 families to over 500.<br />
<br />
“They are not people who live in extreme poverty, but people who have found themselves poor because of the economic crisis,” says the heady of the charity Matteo Marzana.  They include swathes of the population employed off the books and thus largely excluded from the state’s welfare safety net.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306265.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Matteo Marzana, head of the the charity "L'Abbraccio" (Italian for The Hug), poses for a portrait in his car in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020. <br />
<br />
L'Abbraccio is  a charity which has focused on assisting the newly poor since the 2008 financial crisis.<br />
<br />
In less than two months, the number of families who have turned to L’Abbraccio to feed themselves has jumped from 160 families to over 500.<br />
<br />
“They are not people who live in extreme poverty, but people who have found themselves poor because of the economic crisis,” says the heady of the charity Matteo Marzana.  They include swathes of the population employed off the books and thus largely excluded from the state’s welfare safety net.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306234.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Matteo Marzana, head of the the charity "L'Abbraccio" (Italian for The Hug), poses for a portrait in his car in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020. <br />
<br />
L'Abbraccio is  a charity which has focused on assisting the newly poor since the 2008 financial crisis.<br />
<br />
In less than two months, the number of families who have turned to L’Abbraccio to feed themselves has jumped from 160 families to over 500.<br />
<br />
“They are not people who live in extreme poverty, but people who have found themselves poor because of the economic crisis,” says the heady of the charity Matteo Marzana.  They include swathes of the population employed off the books and thus largely excluded from the state’s welfare safety net.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306216.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: A homeless man's bed is seen here in in a gym in a tensile structure converted to a shelter for the homeless, in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020. <br />
<br />
Homeless men here rely on food handouts donated by the charity L'Abbraccio (Italian for The Hug). L'Abbraccio is  a charity which has focused on assisting the newly poor since the 2008 financial crisis.<br />
<br />
In less than two months, the number of families who have turned to L’Abbraccio to feed themselves has jumped from 160 families to over 500.<br />
<br />
“They are not people who live in extreme poverty, but people who have found themselves poor because of the economic crisis,” says the heady of the charity Matteo Marzana.  They include swathes of the population employed off the books and thus largely excluded from the state’s welfare safety net.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306108.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: A homeless man takes a meal donated by the charity "L'Abbraccio" (Italian for The Hug) here in in a gym in a tensile structure converted to a shelter for the homeless, in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020. <br />
<br />
L'Abbraccio is  a charity which has focused on assisting the newly poor since the 2008 financial crisis.<br />
<br />
In less than two months, the number of families who have turned to L’Abbraccio to feed themselves has jumped from 160 families to over 500.<br />
<br />
“They are not people who live in extreme poverty, but people who have found themselves poor because of the economic crisis,” says the heady of the charity Matteo Marzana.  They include swathes of the population employed off the books and thus largely excluded from the state’s welfare safety net.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306103.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Antonella Maresca, a 54 years old part-time cleaning lady and care giver now relying on food handouts from the charity "L'Abbraccio" (Italian for The Hug), poses for a portrait at the charity headquarters in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020. <br />
<br />
L'Abbraccio is  a charity which has focused on assisting the newly poor since the 2008 financial crisis.<br />
<br />
In less than two months, the number of families who have turned to L’Abbraccio to feed themselves has jumped from 160 families to over 500.<br />
<br />
“They are not people who live in extreme poverty, but people who have found themselves poor because of the economic crisis,” says the heady of the charity Matteo Marzana.  They include swathes of the population employed off the books and thus largely excluded from the state’s welfare safety net.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306039.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Volunteers of the charity "L'Abbraccio" (Italian for The Hug) prepare hot meals for homeless people in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020. <br />
<br />
L'Abbraccio is  a charity which has focused on assisting the newly poor since the 2008 financial crisis.<br />
<br />
In less than two months, the number of families who have turned to L’Abbraccio to feed themselves has jumped from 160 families to over 500.<br />
<br />
“They are not people who live in extreme poverty, but people who have found themselves poor because of the economic crisis,” says the heady of the charity Matteo Marzana.  They include swathes of the population employed off the books and thus largely excluded from the state’s welfare safety net.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M305893.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Carmine Esposito (52),  volunteer a volunteer and parking attendant out of work relying on the food handouts from of the  charity "L'Abbraccio" (Italian for The Hug), carries the food donated by the food bank at the headquarters of the charity in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020. <br />
<br />
L'Abbraccio is  a charity which has focused on assisting the newly poor since the 2008 financial crisis.<br />
<br />
In less than two months, the number of families who have turned to L’Abbraccio to feed themselves has jumped from 160 families to over 500.<br />
<br />
“They are not people who live in extreme poverty, but people who have found themselves poor because of the economic crisis,” says the heady of the charity Matteo Marzana.  They include swathes of the population employed off the books and thus largely excluded from the state’s welfare safety net.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M305809.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Volunteers of the charity "L'Abbraccio" (Italian for The Hug) unload the food donated by the food bank at the headquarters of the charity in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020. <br />
<br />
L'Abbraccio is  a charity which has focused on assisting the newly poor since the 2008 financial crisis.<br />
<br />
In less than two months, the number of families who have turned to L’Abbraccio to feed themselves has jumped from 160 families to over 500.<br />
<br />
“They are not people who live in extreme poverty, but people who have found themselves poor because of the economic crisis,” says the heady of the charity Matteo Marzana.  They include swathes of the population employed off the books and thus largely excluded from the state’s welfare safety net.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M305759.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Volunteers of the charity "L'Abbraccio" (Italian for The Hug) unload the food donated by the food bank at the headquarters of the charity in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020. <br />
<br />
L'Abbraccio is  a charity which has focused on assisting the newly poor since the 2008 financial crisis.<br />
<br />
In less than two months, the number of families who have turned to L’Abbraccio to feed themselves has jumped from 160 families to over 500.<br />
<br />
“They are not people who live in extreme poverty, but people who have found themselves poor because of the economic crisis,” says the heady of the charity Matteo Marzana.  They include swathes of the population employed off the books and thus largely excluded from the state’s welfare safety net.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M305739.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: A volunteer of the charity "L'Abbraccio" (Italian for The Hug) prepares hot meals for homeless people in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020. <br />
<br />
L'Abbraccio is  a charity which has focused on assisting the newly poor since the 2008 financial crisis.<br />
<br />
In less than two months, the number of families who have turned to L’Abbraccio to feed themselves has jumped from 160 families to over 500.<br />
<br />
“They are not people who live in extreme poverty, but people who have found themselves poor because of the economic crisis,” says the heady of the charity Matteo Marzana.  They include swathes of the population employed off the books and thus largely excluded from the state’s welfare safety net.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M305649.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Matteo Marzana, head of the the charity "L'Abbraccio" (Italian for The Hug), poses for a portrait at the charity headquarters in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020. <br />
<br />
L'Abbraccio is  a charity which has focused on assisting the newly poor since the 2008 financial crisis.<br />
<br />
In less than two months, the number of families who have turned to L’Abbraccio to feed themselves has jumped from 160 families to over 500.<br />
<br />
“They are not people who live in extreme poverty, but people who have found themselves poor because of the economic crisis,” says the heady of the charity Matteo Marzana.  They include swathes of the population employed off the books and thus largely excluded from the state’s welfare safety net.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306265.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Matteo Marzana, head of the the charity "L'Abbraccio" (Italian for The Hug), poses for a portrait at the charity headquarters in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020. <br />
<br />
L'Abbraccio is  a charity which has focused on assisting the newly poor since the 2008 financial crisis.<br />
<br />
In less than two months, the number of families who have turned to L’Abbraccio to feed themselves has jumped from 160 families to over 500.<br />
<br />
“They are not people who live in extreme poverty, but people who have found themselves poor because of the economic crisis,” says the heady of the charity Matteo Marzana.  They include swathes of the population employed off the books and thus largely excluded from the state’s welfare safety net.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306257.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Matteo Marzana, head of the the charity "L'Abbraccio" (Italian for The Hug), poses for a portrait in his car in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020. <br />
<br />
L'Abbraccio is  a charity which has focused on assisting the newly poor since the 2008 financial crisis.<br />
<br />
In less than two months, the number of families who have turned to L’Abbraccio to feed themselves has jumped from 160 families to over 500.<br />
<br />
“They are not people who live in extreme poverty, but people who have found themselves poor because of the economic crisis,” says the heady of the charity Matteo Marzana.  They include swathes of the population employed off the books and thus largely excluded from the state’s welfare safety net.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306234.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: A homeless man's bed is seen here in in a gym in a tensile structure converted to a shelter for the homeless, in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020. <br />
<br />
Homeless men here rely on food handouts donated by the charity L'Abbraccio (Italian for The Hug). L'Abbraccio is  a charity which has focused on assisting the newly poor since the 2008 financial crisis.<br />
<br />
In less than two months, the number of families who have turned to L’Abbraccio to feed themselves has jumped from 160 families to over 500.<br />
<br />
“They are not people who live in extreme poverty, but people who have found themselves poor because of the economic crisis,” says the heady of the charity Matteo Marzana.  They include swathes of the population employed off the books and thus largely excluded from the state’s welfare safety net.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306108.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: A homeless man takes a meal donated by the charity "L'Abbraccio" (Italian for The Hug) here in in a gym in a tensile structure converted to a shelter for the homeless, in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020. <br />
<br />
L'Abbraccio is  a charity which has focused on assisting the newly poor since the 2008 financial crisis.<br />
<br />
In less than two months, the number of families who have turned to L’Abbraccio to feed themselves has jumped from 160 families to over 500.<br />
<br />
“They are not people who live in extreme poverty, but people who have found themselves poor because of the economic crisis,” says the heady of the charity Matteo Marzana.  They include swathes of the population employed off the books and thus largely excluded from the state’s welfare safety net.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306103.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Antonella Maresca, a 54 years old part-time cleaning lady and care giver now relying on food handouts from the charity "L'Abbraccio" (Italian for The Hug), poses for a portrait at the charity headquarters in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020. <br />
<br />
L'Abbraccio is  a charity which has focused on assisting the newly poor since the 2008 financial crisis.<br />
<br />
In less than two months, the number of families who have turned to L’Abbraccio to feed themselves has jumped from 160 families to over 500.<br />
<br />
“They are not people who live in extreme poverty, but people who have found themselves poor because of the economic crisis,” says the heady of the charity Matteo Marzana.  They include swathes of the population employed off the books and thus largely excluded from the state’s welfare safety net.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306065.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Antonella Maresca, a 54 years old part-time cleaning lady and care giver now relying on food handouts from the charity "L'Abbraccio" (Italian for The Hug), poses for a portrait at the charity headquarters in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020. <br />
<br />
L'Abbraccio is  a charity which has focused on assisting the newly poor since the 2008 financial crisis.<br />
<br />
In less than two months, the number of families who have turned to L’Abbraccio to feed themselves has jumped from 160 families to over 500.<br />
<br />
“They are not people who live in extreme poverty, but people who have found themselves poor because of the economic crisis,” says the heady of the charity Matteo Marzana.  They include swathes of the population employed off the books and thus largely excluded from the state’s welfare safety net.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306043.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Antonella Maresca, a 54 years old part-time cleaning lady and care giver now relying on food handouts from the charity "L'Abbraccio" (Italian for The Hug), poses for a portrait at the charity headquarters in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020. <br />
<br />
L'Abbraccio is  a charity which has focused on assisting the newly poor since the 2008 financial crisis.<br />
<br />
In less than two months, the number of families who have turned to L’Abbraccio to feed themselves has jumped from 160 families to over 500.<br />
<br />
“They are not people who live in extreme poverty, but people who have found themselves poor because of the economic crisis,” says the heady of the charity Matteo Marzana.  They include swathes of the population employed off the books and thus largely excluded from the state’s welfare safety net.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306039.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Volunteers of the charity "L'Abbraccio" (Italian for The Hug) prepare hot meals for homeless people in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020. <br />
<br />
L'Abbraccio is  a charity which has focused on assisting the newly poor since the 2008 financial crisis.<br />
<br />
In less than two months, the number of families who have turned to L’Abbraccio to feed themselves has jumped from 160 families to over 500.<br />
<br />
“They are not people who live in extreme poverty, but people who have found themselves poor because of the economic crisis,” says the heady of the charity Matteo Marzana.  They include swathes of the population employed off the books and thus largely excluded from the state’s welfare safety net.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M305893.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Carmine Esposito (52),  volunteer a volunteer and parking attendant out of work relying on the food handouts from of the  charity "L'Abbraccio" (Italian for The Hug), carries the food donated by the food bank at the headquarters of the charity in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020. <br />
<br />
L'Abbraccio is  a charity which has focused on assisting the newly poor since the 2008 financial crisis.<br />
<br />
In less than two months, the number of families who have turned to L’Abbraccio to feed themselves has jumped from 160 families to over 500.<br />
<br />
“They are not people who live in extreme poverty, but people who have found themselves poor because of the economic crisis,” says the heady of the charity Matteo Marzana.  They include swathes of the population employed off the books and thus largely excluded from the state’s welfare safety net.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M305809.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Volunteers of the charity "L'Abbraccio" (Italian for The Hug) unload the food donated by the food bank at the headquarters of the charity in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020. <br />
<br />
L'Abbraccio is  a charity which has focused on assisting the newly poor since the 2008 financial crisis.<br />
<br />
In less than two months, the number of families who have turned to L’Abbraccio to feed themselves has jumped from 160 families to over 500.<br />
<br />
“They are not people who live in extreme poverty, but people who have found themselves poor because of the economic crisis,” says the heady of the charity Matteo Marzana.  They include swathes of the population employed off the books and thus largely excluded from the state’s welfare safety net.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M305759.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Volunteers of the charity "L'Abbraccio" (Italian for The Hug) unload the food donated by the food bank at the headquarters of the charity in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020. <br />
<br />
L'Abbraccio is  a charity which has focused on assisting the newly poor since the 2008 financial crisis.<br />
<br />
In less than two months, the number of families who have turned to L’Abbraccio to feed themselves has jumped from 160 families to over 500.<br />
<br />
“They are not people who live in extreme poverty, but people who have found themselves poor because of the economic crisis,” says the heady of the charity Matteo Marzana.  They include swathes of the population employed off the books and thus largely excluded from the state’s welfare safety net.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M305739.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Antonella Maresca, a 54 years old part-time cleaning lady and care giver now relying on food handouts from the charity "L'Abbraccio" (Italian for The Hug), poses for a portrait at the charity headquarters in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020. <br />
<br />
L'Abbraccio is  a charity which has focused on assisting the newly poor since the 2008 financial crisis.<br />
<br />
In less than two months, the number of families who have turned to L’Abbraccio to feed themselves has jumped from 160 families to over 500.<br />
<br />
“They are not people who live in extreme poverty, but people who have found themselves poor because of the economic crisis,” says the heady of the charity Matteo Marzana.  They include swathes of the population employed off the books and thus largely excluded from the state’s welfare safety net.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306043.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: A volunteer of the charity "L'Abbraccio" (Italian for The Hug) prepares hot meals for homeless people in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020. <br />
<br />
L'Abbraccio is  a charity which has focused on assisting the newly poor since the 2008 financial crisis.<br />
<br />
In less than two months, the number of families who have turned to L’Abbraccio to feed themselves has jumped from 160 families to over 500.<br />
<br />
“They are not people who live in extreme poverty, but people who have found themselves poor because of the economic crisis,” says the heady of the charity Matteo Marzana.  They include swathes of the population employed off the books and thus largely excluded from the state’s welfare safety net.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M305649.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020:  Pallets of food that will be donated to needy families is seen here in the Banco Alimentare, a food bank in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020.<br />
<br />
Before the coronavirus outbreak, Banco Alimentare distributed food to around 1.5 million people, a number that has gone up by roughly 40% in just over two month. The food bank can’t keep up with the new requests, particularly in Italy’s traditionally poorer southern regions such as Campania, of which Naples is the capital. The food, a mix of donations and purchases made with EU funds, is distributed through local charities that prepare shopping baskets and ready-to-eat meals for those in need.  <br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged int
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M305644.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Pallets of bean cans are seen here at the Banco Alimentare, a food bank in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020.<br />
<br />
Before the coronavirus outbreak, Banco Alimentare distributed food to around 1.5 million people, a number that has gone up by roughly 40% in just over two month. The food bank can’t keep up with the new requests, particularly in Italy’s traditionally poorer southern regions such as Campania, of which Naples is the capital. The food, a mix of donations and purchases made with EU funds, is distributed through local charities that prepare shopping baskets and ready-to-eat meals for those in need.  <br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lif
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M305559.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: A worker fills a box with food that will be distibuted to a needy family, here at the Banco Alimentare, a food bank in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020.<br />
<br />
Before the coronavirus outbreak, Banco Alimentare distributed food to around 1.5 million people, a number that has gone up by roughly 40% in just over two month. The food bank can’t keep up with the new requests, particularly in Italy’s traditionally poorer southern regions such as Campania, of which Naples is the capital. The food, a mix of donations and purchases made with EU funds, is distributed through local charities that prepare shopping baskets and ready-to-eat meals for those in need.  <br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly p
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M305512.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: A worker lifts cases of bean cans at the Banco Alimentare, a food bank in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020.<br />
<br />
Before the coronavirus outbreak, Banco Alimentare distributed food to around 1.5 million people, a number that has gone up by roughly 40% in just over two month. The food bank can’t keep up with the new requests, particularly in Italy’s traditionally poorer southern regions such as Campania, of which Naples is the capital. The food, a mix of donations and purchases made with EU funds, is distributed through local charities that prepare shopping baskets and ready-to-eat meals for those in need.  <br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M305377.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Pallets of bean cans are seen here at the Banco Alimentare, a food bank in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020.<br />
<br />
Before the coronavirus outbreak, Banco Alimentare distributed food to around 1.5 million people, a number that has gone up by roughly 40% in just over two month. The food bank can’t keep up with the new requests, particularly in Italy’s traditionally poorer southern regions such as Campania, of which Naples is the capital. The food, a mix of donations and purchases made with EU funds, is distributed through local charities that prepare shopping baskets and ready-to-eat meals for those in need.  <br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lif
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M305559.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: A worker fills a box with food that will be distibuted to a needy family, here at the Banco Alimentare, a food bank in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020.<br />
<br />
Before the coronavirus outbreak, Banco Alimentare distributed food to around 1.5 million people, a number that has gone up by roughly 40% in just over two month. The food bank can’t keep up with the new requests, particularly in Italy’s traditionally poorer southern regions such as Campania, of which Naples is the capital. The food, a mix of donations and purchases made with EU funds, is distributed through local charities that prepare shopping baskets and ready-to-eat meals for those in need.  <br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly p
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M305493.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020:  Roberto Tuorto, who runs the operations of Banco Alimentare -   Italy’s largest food bank - in the Campania region, walks by pallets of food in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020.<br />
<br />
Before the coronavirus outbreak, Banco Alimentare distributed food to around 1.5 million people, a number that has gone up by roughly 40% in just over two month. The food bank can’t keep up with the new requests, particularly in Italy’s traditionally poorer southern regions such as Campania, of which Naples is the capital. The food, a mix of donations and purchases made with EU funds, is distributed through local charities that prepare shopping baskets and ready-to-eat meals for those in need.  <br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M305620.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: A worker fills a box with food that will be distibuted to a needy family, here at the Banco Alimentare, a food bank in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020.<br />
<br />
Before the coronavirus outbreak, Banco Alimentare distributed food to around 1.5 million people, a number that has gone up by roughly 40% in just over two month. The food bank can’t keep up with the new requests, particularly in Italy’s traditionally poorer southern regions such as Campania, of which Naples is the capital. The food, a mix of donations and purchases made with EU funds, is distributed through local charities that prepare shopping baskets and ready-to-eat meals for those in need.  <br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly p
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M305493.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: A worker lifts cases of bean cans at the Banco Alimentare, a food bank in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020.<br />
<br />
Before the coronavirus outbreak, Banco Alimentare distributed food to around 1.5 million people, a number that has gone up by roughly 40% in just over two month. The food bank can’t keep up with the new requests, particularly in Italy’s traditionally poorer southern regions such as Campania, of which Naples is the capital. The food, a mix of donations and purchases made with EU funds, is distributed through local charities that prepare shopping baskets and ready-to-eat meals for those in need.  <br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M305366.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020:  Pallets of food that will be donated to needy families is seen here in the Banco Alimentare, a food bank in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020.<br />
<br />
Before the coronavirus outbreak, Banco Alimentare distributed food to around 1.5 million people, a number that has gone up by roughly 40% in just over two month. The food bank can’t keep up with the new requests, particularly in Italy’s traditionally poorer southern regions such as Campania, of which Naples is the capital. The food, a mix of donations and purchases made with EU funds, is distributed through local charities that prepare shopping baskets and ready-to-eat meals for those in need.  <br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged int
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M305644.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020:  Roberto Tuorto, who runs the operations of Banco Alimentare -   Italy’s largest food bank - in the Campania region, walks by pallets of food in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020.<br />
<br />
Before the coronavirus outbreak, Banco Alimentare distributed food to around 1.5 million people, a number that has gone up by roughly 40% in just over two month. The food bank can’t keep up with the new requests, particularly in Italy’s traditionally poorer southern regions such as Campania, of which Naples is the capital. The food, a mix of donations and purchases made with EU funds, is distributed through local charities that prepare shopping baskets and ready-to-eat meals for those in need.  <br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M305620.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020:  Roberto Tuorto, who runs the operations of Banco Alimentare -   Italy’s largest food bank - in the Campania region, walks by pallets of food in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020.<br />
<br />
Before the coronavirus outbreak, Banco Alimentare distributed food to around 1.5 million people, a number that has gone up by roughly 40% in just over two month. The food bank can’t keep up with the new requests, particularly in Italy’s traditionally poorer southern regions such as Campania, of which Naples is the capital. The food, a mix of donations and purchases made with EU funds, is distributed through local charities that prepare shopping baskets and ready-to-eat meals for those in need.  <br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M305605.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: A worker fills a box with food that will be distibuted to a needy family, here at the Banco Alimentare, a food bank in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020.<br />
<br />
Before the coronavirus outbreak, Banco Alimentare distributed food to around 1.5 million people, a number that has gone up by roughly 40% in just over two month. The food bank can’t keep up with the new requests, particularly in Italy’s traditionally poorer southern regions such as Campania, of which Naples is the capital. The food, a mix of donations and purchases made with EU funds, is distributed through local charities that prepare shopping baskets and ready-to-eat meals for those in need.  <br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly p
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M305512.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: A worker lifts cases of bean cans at the Banco Alimentare, a food bank in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020.<br />
<br />
Before the coronavirus outbreak, Banco Alimentare distributed food to around 1.5 million people, a number that has gone up by roughly 40% in just over two month. The food bank can’t keep up with the new requests, particularly in Italy’s traditionally poorer southern regions such as Campania, of which Naples is the capital. The food, a mix of donations and purchases made with EU funds, is distributed through local charities that prepare shopping baskets and ready-to-eat meals for those in need.  <br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M305377.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020:  Roberto Tuorto, who runs the operations of Banco Alimentare -   Italy’s largest food bank - in the Campania region, walks by pallets of food in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020.<br />
<br />
Before the coronavirus outbreak, Banco Alimentare distributed food to around 1.5 million people, a number that has gone up by roughly 40% in just over two month. The food bank can’t keep up with the new requests, particularly in Italy’s traditionally poorer southern regions such as Campania, of which Naples is the capital. The food, a mix of donations and purchases made with EU funds, is distributed through local charities that prepare shopping baskets and ready-to-eat meals for those in need.  <br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M305605.jpg
  • SALERNO, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: A worker lifts cases of bean cans at the Banco Alimentare, a food bank in Salerno, Italy, on May 11th 2020.<br />
<br />
Before the coronavirus outbreak, Banco Alimentare distributed food to around 1.5 million people, a number that has gone up by roughly 40% in just over two month. The food bank can’t keep up with the new requests, particularly in Italy’s traditionally poorer southern regions such as Campania, of which Naples is the capital. The food, a mix of donations and purchases made with EU funds, is distributed through local charities that prepare shopping baskets and ready-to-eat meals for those in need.  <br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M305366.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: A view of Naples and Mount Vesuvius in Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307482_B...jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: The occupied building where Marilena Colantuono (37), unemployed and mother of three, lives, in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307462_B...jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: A view from an occupied building in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of  Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307414_B...jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: Marilena Colantuono (37), an unemployed mother of three children, opens the curtain in her occupied apartment in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307312_B...jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: Marilena Colantuono (37), an unemployed mother of three children, poses for a portrait in her occupied apartment in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307273_B...jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: Marilena Colantuono (37), an unemployed mother of three children, poses for a portrait in her occupied apartment in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307226_B...jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: Marilena Colantuono (37), an unemployed mother of three children, poses for a portrait in her occupied apartment in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307213_B...jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: Giorgio Colantuono (15), attends his online school class from his mother's smartphone in his room, which he shares with his younger sister and brother, in an occupied apartment in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307169_B...jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: Giorgio Colantuono (15), attends his online school class from his mother's smartphone in his room, which he shares with his younger sister and brother, in an occupied apartment in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307151_B...jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: A classroom of the 1'st grade of secondary schoo of the "Eduardo De Filippo" school, of which only two students of a total of twelve attend the online classes, is seen here in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307110_B...jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: (L) Concetta Stramacchia (55), the principle of the primary and seconday school "Eduardo De Filippo" in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, is seen here during an interview together in Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307018_B...jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: A view of the school "Euduardo De Filippo" in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of  Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306937_B...jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: Patrizia Pica Ciamarra (46), who runs the local section of the NGO L'Albero della vita in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, poses for a portrait in Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306894_B...jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: A public housing complex is seen here in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306829_B...jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Giulia Improta (34), a mother of three, poses for a portrait in her apartment in Naples, Italy, on May 11th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306350_B...jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Giulia Improta (34), a mother of three, poses for a portrait in her apartment in Naples, Italy, on May 11th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306320_B...jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 13 MAY 2020: Matteo Garofalo (43), a stage manager, poses for a portrait at the Teatro Augusteo theater in Naples, Italy, on May 13th 2020.<br />
<br />
Matteo Garofalo has had a successful career as a stage manager, most recently touring Italy with a musical adaptation of the film “The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert,” about a drag queen on a road trip.<br />
But since theatres won’t be able to host packed audiences any time soon, Mr. Garofalo is already looking for alternatives: He has applied fruit and vegetable harvesting jobs.<br />
“I have enough savings for several months, but no job prospects,” said Mr. Garofalo, 44. “I’m always hopeful the situation will change. But I need to do something. Cash is what makes the world go round. If not they will cut my electricity and I won’t have anything to eat.”<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200513_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307587.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 13 MAY 2020: Matteo Garofalo (43), a stage manager, poses for a portrait at the Teatro Augusteo theater in Naples, Italy, on May 13th 2020.<br />
<br />
Matteo Garofalo has had a successful career as a stage manager, most recently touring Italy with a musical adaptation of the film “The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert,” about a drag queen on a road trip.<br />
But since theatres won’t be able to host packed audiences any time soon, Mr. Garofalo is already looking for alternatives: He has applied fruit and vegetable harvesting jobs.<br />
“I have enough savings for several months, but no job prospects,” said Mr. Garofalo, 44. “I’m always hopeful the situation will change. But I need to do something. Cash is what makes the world go round. If not they will cut my electricity and I won’t have anything to eat.”<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200513_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307575.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: A view of Naples and Mount Vesuvius in Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307482.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: Marilena Colantuono (37), an unemployed mother of three children, looks out of the window of her occupied apartment in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307335.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: Marilena Colantuono (37), an unemployed mother of three children, poses for a portrait in her occupied apartment in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307273.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: Marilena Colantuono (37), an unemployed mother of three children, poses for a portrait in her occupied apartment in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307226.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: Marilena Colantuono (37), an unemployed mother of three children, poses for a portrait in her occupied apartment in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307213.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: Giorgio Colantuono (15), attends his online school class from his mother's smartphone in his room, which he shares with his younger sister and brother, in an occupied apartment in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307169.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: Giorgio Colantuono (15), attends his online school class from his mother's smartphone in his room, which he shares with his younger sister and brother, in an occupied apartment in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307151.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020:  The main hall of the "Eduardo De Filippo" primary and secondary school is seen here in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307127.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: (L) Concetta Stramacchia (55), the principle of the primary and seconday school "Eduardo De Filippo" in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, is seen here during an interview together in Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307018.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: Patrizia Pica Ciamarra (46), who runs the local section of the NGO L'Albero della vita in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, leaves the local office in Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306918.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: Patrizia Pica Ciamarra (46), who runs the local section of the NGO L'Albero della vita in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, poses for a portrait in Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306894.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: The children's recreational room at the NGO L'Albero della vita is seen here in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306853.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: A public housing complex is seen here in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306829.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: People are seen here in line at the pawbroker of the Intesa San Paolo bank, or former Bank of Naples, in Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306811.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Neapolitans are seen here in the center of Naples, Italy, on May 11th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306660.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: A man walk in the street of Naples, Italy, on May 11th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306618.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Bruno De Crescenzo, owner of three bars in the city’s Spanish Quarters, poses for a portrait at the counter of his first bar - Spuzzulè Winebar - in Naples, Italy, on May 11th 2020.<br />
<br />
When he threw a New Year’s Eve party to inaugurate his third bar in this city’s Spanish Quarters, he had reason to be optimistic: The once-rough neighbourhood was attracting foreign tourists and well-to-do Neapolitans willing to spend €5 on a glass of wine. That ended abruptly when Italy went into lockdown in March. And Mr. De Crescenzo isn’t sure it’s ever going to come back, even once the pandemic is over. “The real problem isn’t what we are facing right now,” says Mr. De Crescenzo, who applied for the €600 emergency payment from the government but hasn’t received it yet. “The real problem is what we’ll face tomorrow.” He recently had a taste of tomorrow could bring when he opened one of his bars for takeaway service earlier this month. Nobody came, and he shut down again. Even once bars and restaurants will be allowed to reopen properly – likely over the next few days – social distancing rules means he won’t be able to fit more than a handful of customers indoors at any one time.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer an
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306530.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: Bruno De Crescenzo, owner of three bars in the city’s Spanish Quarters, poses for a portrait at the counter of his first bar - Spuzzulè Winebar - in Naples, Italy, on May 11th 2020.<br />
<br />
When he threw a New Year’s Eve party to inaugurate his third bar in this city’s Spanish Quarters, he had reason to be optimistic: The once-rough neighbourhood was attracting foreign tourists and well-to-do Neapolitans willing to spend €5 on a glass of wine. That ended abruptly when Italy went into lockdown in March. And Mr. De Crescenzo isn’t sure it’s ever going to come back, even once the pandemic is over. “The real problem isn’t what we are facing right now,” says Mr. De Crescenzo, who applied for the €600 emergency payment from the government but hasn’t received it yet. “The real problem is what we’ll face tomorrow.” He recently had a taste of tomorrow could bring when he opened one of his bars for takeaway service earlier this month. Nobody came, and he shut down again. Even once bars and restaurants will be allowed to reopen properly – likely over the next few days – social distancing rules means he won’t be able to fit more than a handful of customers indoors at any one time.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer an
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306528.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 13 MAY 2020: Matteo Garofalo (43), a stage manager, poses for a portrait at the Teatro Augusteo theater in Naples, Italy, on May 13th 2020.<br />
<br />
Matteo Garofalo has had a successful career as a stage manager, most recently touring Italy with a musical adaptation of the film “The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert,” about a drag queen on a road trip.<br />
But since theatres won’t be able to host packed audiences any time soon, Mr. Garofalo is already looking for alternatives: He has applied fruit and vegetable harvesting jobs.<br />
“I have enough savings for several months, but no job prospects,” said Mr. Garofalo, 44. “I’m always hopeful the situation will change. But I need to do something. Cash is what makes the world go round. If not they will cut my electricity and I won’t have anything to eat.”<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200513_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307558.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 13 MAY 2020: Matteo Garofalo (43), a stage manager, poses for a portrait at the Teatro Augusteo theater in Naples, Italy, on May 13th 2020.<br />
<br />
Matteo Garofalo has had a successful career as a stage manager, most recently touring Italy with a musical adaptation of the film “The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert,” about a drag queen on a road trip.<br />
But since theatres won’t be able to host packed audiences any time soon, Mr. Garofalo is already looking for alternatives: He has applied fruit and vegetable harvesting jobs.<br />
“I have enough savings for several months, but no job prospects,” said Mr. Garofalo, 44. “I’m always hopeful the situation will change. But I need to do something. Cash is what makes the world go round. If not they will cut my electricity and I won’t have anything to eat.”<br />
<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200513_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307514.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: A view from an occupied building in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of  Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307414.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: Marilena Colantuono (37), an unemployed mother of three children, opens the curtain in her occupied apartment in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307312.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: Marilena Colantuono (37), an unemployed mother of three children, poses for a portrait in her occupied apartment in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307213.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: Giorgio Colantuono (15), attends his online school class from his mother's smartphone in his room, which he shares with his younger sister and brother, in an occupied apartment in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307169.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020:  The playground of the "Eduardo De Filippo" primary and secondary school is seen here in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307136.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020:  The main hall of the "Eduardo De Filippo" primary and secondary school is seen here in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307127.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: (L) Concetta Stramacchia (55), the principle of the primary and seconday school "Eduardo De Filippo" in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, poses for a portrait in Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M307031.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: The playground of the primary and secondary school "Eduardo De Filippo" is seen here next to a public housing complex in Ponticelli, a district in the outskirts of Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306963.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 12 MAY 2020: People are seen here in line at the pawbroker of the Intesa San Paolo bank, or former Bank of Naples, in Naples, Italy, on May 12th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200512_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306811.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: A woman carries groceries in the Spanish Quarters in Naples, Italy, on May 11th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306630.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: A man rides his bike in Naples, Italy, on May 11th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306612.jpg
  • NAPLES, ITALY - 11 MAY 2020: A man walk in the street of Naples, Italy, on May 11th 2020.<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has precipitated one of the worst economic downturns in generations across the world. But few major economies are likely to suffer as much as Italy’s, or take longer to recover.<br />
The health emergency has already left hundreds of thousands of Italians unable to pay for their own food for the first time. Experts warn that the poverty crisis is only just beginning, and that many of those who abruptly plunged into poverty may never be able to lift themselves out of it – even once the pandemic is over. Italy, more than its Western European neighbors, is ill-prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Its big problem is that its economy never really recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, leaving families poorer and the government much more indebted today than it was then.<br />
<br />
CREDIT: Gianni Cipriano for The Wall Street Journal<br />
<br />
SLUG: ITPOOR
    CIPG_20200511_WSJ_NewPoor_7M306618.jpg
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