In Italy, there is a multitude of little-known but crucial laws, which underpin a whole series of charitable initiatives that improve the country. One of these is the law of the good Samaritan, so called precisely in reference to the parable of the Holy Scriptures in which the value of the mercy. Just as in the framework of the law, born in July of the 2003 in an attempt to provide a concrete response to the reality of food waste and to the numerous solidarity and charitable associations that deal with the needy. The law of the Good Samaritan provides for the sstreamlining of bureaucratic procedures For the recovery of "ready-to-eat but uneaten" food by associations and non-profit organizations, which, following the law's entry into force, are no longer subject to food safety regulations as they become end consumers. This streamlines the process of redistributing food to all those who, unfortunately, are experiencing social and economic hardship.
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REDUCING CANTEEN WASTE
This rule was designed to encourage donations of cooked and unsold food that would otherwise be thrown away. All associations and nonprofits that initiate food recovery programs, for example through relationships with restaurants, with the goal of delivering it free of charge to the needy, have, in practice, far fewer strings attached to providing this service. They are, in effect, treated as recipients of the food itself, rather than as "mediators." This brings with it a whole host of benefits, both economic and cultural.
One of the associations that has certainly been able to benefit from the entry into force of the law has been the L'Impronta social cooperative, a solidarity island a handful of kilometers from Bergamo and an equal handful from Milan, engaged since 1992 in projects with minors, disabled people and adults in difficult conditions.
The aim of the project inspired by the law of the Good Samaritan is to transform food waste into a solidarity resource through the food recovery not consumed by children in school canteens. The project, in its embryonic stage, was born thanks to the collaboration with the Cerioli Primary School of the “Aldo Moro” Comprehensive Institute of SeriateEvery day, uneaten cooked food was collected, sorted, portioned, and distributed to the L'Impression cooperative's residential communities for disabled people and to some families in the area who were in difficulty.
The students' parents and the Municipality of Seriate appreciated the initiative so much that, as part of the tender for managing the canteen for subsequent years, the contractor extended the option of recovering uneaten food to all primary school canteens in Seriate, once again involving the cooperative and the parents' committee, which became an active promoter.
TO KNOW MORE:School cafeterias: €360 worth of food is wasted every day. And then there's no money for daycare centers.
GOOD SAMARITAN PROJECT SERIATE
The social cooperative L'Impronta has been active in the field of solidarity since first decade of the 90s, firmly rooted in solidarity and mutuality. These values guide the cooperative's many projects throughout the region, committed to helping adults, minors, families, and communities experiencing hardship or suffering.
The cooperative's volunteers believe that there isn't just one way to live in the community, but that it is possible to live one's land in a participatory, active, collaborative, and supportive manner. This is why they are committed every day, with great conviction, both in the Good Samaritan food recovery project and in all the other projects the association is involved in.
(Thanks to the L'Impronta cooperative for the images)
The project is competing for the 2019 edition of the Non Sprecare Award. To learn more about the competition and participate, go to here!
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HOW NOT TO WASTE FOOD:
- A street fridge in Paris to help those in need and fight food waste.
- How to avoid unnecessary food waste: here are all the apps and digital platforms for saving food
- Too Good To Go: the app that saves excess food by transforming it into delicious and affordable meals
- Food Pride: In Turin, delivery riders ride bicycles to save food from the garbage dump.
- I'll give it to you if you come and pick it: free fruit and vegetables directly from a field in Brindisi (video)
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