Seven solidarity refrigerators have opened in Bari. What are we waiting for to do the same throughout Italy?

FRIGO SOLIDARITY BARI

I really like the courageous initiative launched in Bari called " Frigo Solidale ": seven refrigerators, with as many pantries, set up in various locations around the city, where anyone can drop off edible food they don't consume and risk going to waste. And conversely, anyone, including families and individuals in need , can pick up the same products they can't afford.

It's a fantastic project , and it shouldn't be reduced to an isolated incident, but spread throughout Italy . On the other hand, we can give a small credit to the Non Sprecare community: we've been the ones to repeatedly report the opening of "solidarity refrigerators" in various countries, including Germany, Brazil, and Spain. And now, finally, Italy.

ALSO READ: In Spain, "Solidarity Refrigerators" are being developed to combat food waste.

SOLIDARITY REFRIGERATOR BARI

Where does the project stand? First of all, its simplicity and concreteness. Fighting poverty is certainly a goal of politics, institutions, and the public sphere. But every citizen, every person, can do a lot, achieving two goals: helping the poorest and reducing the scandal of food waste . It's the small gestures, believe me, that make a difference and restore a community's desire to come together.

Second, the "solidarity refrigerators" are possible thanks to the generous and selfless work of our volunteer network , which represents the best of Italy . In this case, several associations are involved, including young students, led by Kenda Onlus and Avanzi Popolo . Anyone can contact them for information and perhaps try to replicate the same format in other cities.

TO KNOW MORE: Want to avoid wasting food? Read this. book

SOLIDARITY REFRIGERATORS IN ITALY

Finally, the "solidarity fridge" helps the many families who truly want to combat food waste, starting from their own homes, and never know who to donate it to. Now there's a way forward for everyone. With a very effective label written on the door of each fridge: "Open only when necessary." Open, precisely, like our minds and hearts, which cannot remain trapped in indifference.

(The images are taken from the Facebook page dedicated to the “Frigo solidale” project.)

WHEN WE ARE A GENEROUS AND SOLIDARITY PEOPLE:

• A retired surgeon and his team are providing free healthcare for the poor in Bari.
• A tree to help the poor, leaving a legacy. From a scarf to any gift (photo)
• The story of Mirella, 73 years old: her sister dies and she dedicates herself to soup kitchens for the poor and homeless (photo)
• Turin volunteers who collect leftover food from markets and give it to the poor
• Anver Outpatient Clinic: When women provide good healthcare at a low cost. And free for the poor.