What impact has food had on the culture of Italy?

The question realy should be, "How has Italian culture had an impact on food?" Italians generally have a relaxed attitude towards life and like having the very best made simply. And this is definitely reflected in their food. Part of the enjoyment of life is food and they spend upwards of a quarter of their income on enjoying food, way more than us in the US. The making and selling of pasta is legislated. They eat certain foods only when they are in season. They take more care in food production. Italians are famous for taking a few great ingredients and turning them into something fabulous and sublime and making the most of those ingredients. So clearly the Italian culture impacts it's food more than food impacts it's culture.

Food helps make it good.

people eat for live, italians lives for eat :)

pasta and meatballs