It was April 2020, and Italy, under lockdown, was experiencing one of its most difficult moments. Soup kitchens were at a standstill, and the closure of bars, restaurants, and pizzerias had deprived the homeless and poor of the opportunity to enjoy a meal. Yet, Pina and Angelo, husband and wife, both Neapolitan, had found a truly special way to provide comfort and relief to those living on the streets. Every Sunday, the deserted and silent alleys of Via Santa Chiara, a Naples, had the intense aroma of the ragù which, Pina and Angelo, aged 55 and 56, prepared hot food for those who couldn't afford it. Valorising an ancient Neapolitan tradition, they had transformed the “basket”, the typical basket made of woven wicker and tied to a hemp rope, as a symbol of solidarity.
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SHOPPING SUSPENDED IN ITALY
"Whoever can, give, whoever can't, take."Everyone could help those in need by leaving pasta, peeled tomatoes, legumes, and all the other food items in the two baskets. Pina and Angelo then used these items to provide a daily meal for those most in need. Once the meal was ready, it was lowered from the balcony into the basket, and anyone who wanted it could pick it up.
A beautiful gesture and an important help at a time when, due to the emergency coronavirusEverywhere, from North to South, the solidarity network was faced with the suspension of some services that could expose them to the risk of contagion, as well as a reduced number of volunteers. Added to this was the lack of masks and other medical supplies needed to combat the spread of the virus. In our country, as is evident from thelatest Istat survey (National Institute of Statistics) on the condition of those living in extreme poverty, there are more than 50 thousand homeless peopleIn Rome alone, there are approximately 16 homeless people.
ALSO READ: Solidarity stores have surpassed 200. This allows the poor to shop. And more.
SPENDING SUSPENDED
Unfortunately, month after month, the situation has become increasingly critical. As emerges from "The antibodies of solidarity", The 2020 Report on Poverty and Social Exclusion in Italy made by Caritas, between the months of May and September 2020, compared to the same months of 2019, due to the health emergency, the incidence of the so-called "new poor"has risen from 31 to 45 percent. The "new poor," as the association explains, are all those who have experienced hardship and economic deprivation for the first time, such that they have had to ask for help.
Almost one in two people who turn to Caritas does so for the first timeAnd the number of families with minors is particularly increasing, as is the number of women, young people, Italian families, and people of working age, particularly small businesses and self-employed workers. Regarding these last two categories, Caritas has provided support to over two thousand people by activating funds to cover the most urgent expenses, such as rent, utility payments, and mortgage payments.
Around 450 people were assisted by Caritas between April and June 2020. including the unemployed, precarious and intermittent workers, or those awaiting ordinary or extraordinary redundancy payments.
As also highlighted in the Second Censis – Tendercapital Report on Good Investments, “Sustainability in the age of health primacy“In Italy, 5 million people struggle to put a decent meal on the table, and 7.6 million families have seen their standard of living worsen.
An increasingly dramatic situation, as evidenced by the video and images that, in recent days, have shown countless people queuing in Milan, on Viale Toscana, at the headquarters of the "Pane Quotidiano" association, to receive a bag containing pasta, legumes, fresh fruit, and bread. The line can also be seen every day at the association's second headquarters, on Viale Monza.
A little while ago, walking along Viale Tibaldi at the height of the #DailyBread
An image that enters your head and heart and then stays there, fixed. pic.twitter.com/9MUQrZH6xK— Lidia Bianchi (@preppy57) December 12, 2020
As noted Coldiretti Lombardy, I am over 300 thousand People across the region, due to the worsening situation, will be forced to seek help from volunteer organizations during the Christmas period. Nationally, organizations involved in volunteer work have seen a 40 percent increase in requests for assistance.
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, initiatives are increasingly being launched across Italy to help those in need, just as many were during the lockdown months.
In the months of March and April, in a Naples with a big heart, the boys of theNapoli Rugby Amateurs they had mobilized the entire team to respond to the initiative of the Community of Sant'Egidio and provide support to the elderly who could not leave their homes, bringing them groceries and medicines.
And in the city of “suspended coffee", even shopping could only be "suspended"Many residents, after shopping at delis, convenience stores, and supermarkets, left something to donate to those facing serious hardship due to the health emergency. A network of volunteers then distributed this food to those who could no longer even afford to prepare a plate of pasta.
THE SPESASOSPESA.ORG PLATFORM
An initiative that, day after day, has spread to every corner of Italy, thanks also to the platform spesasospesa.org whose aim is to "provide concrete help to those most in need by optimizing funds raised and reducing food waste".
An innovative circular solidarity project, serving those most in need. SpesaSospesa engages and supports nonprofit organizations, volunteers, municipalities, and even small agri-food businesses facing hardship.
The process is simple: food businesses, as well as retail chains and local producers, can donate their products, even those that are surplus or nearing their expiration date, or sell them at discounted prices, thus also eliminating food waste. Thanks to the initiative and through local non-profit organizations, citizens in need receive free grocery baskets delivered to their homes. It is also possible to contribute to SpesaSospesa.org with free cash donations through the CharityStars fundraising platform. The collected donations are then delivered to municipalities and associations to be used to purchase food items sold at discounted prices by participating food businesses. The non-profit organizations then handle distribution to those most in need.
WHERE TO DO THE SUSPENDED SHOPPING
But there are also many grassroots initiatives, from North to South, led by individual citizens as well as by local shops and supermarket chains to help those in difficulty.
Here are some, region by region.
SHOPPING SUSPENDED IN CAMPANIA
During the months of the first lockdown, a arcade, on Viale Ascione, residents had set up a "solidarity table" from which anyone in need could take away pasta, olive oil, tomato pulp, legumes, but also detergents and many other basic necessities made available by the neighborhood residents.
(Source: Facebook/Maurizio Chiosi, one of the promoters of the initiative)
A CesaIn the province of Caserta, the "Solidarity Christmas in the Time of Covid" project has begun: in participating stores, all residents will be able to purchase products to donate to those most in need.
Also to AngriIn the province of Salerno, Christmas is "suspended." Simply visit a participating store, purchase a gift, or leave a donation to be sent to a family or individual in need in the city. This project supports the city's merchants and makes those experiencing hardship feel less alone.
A SorrentoOn December 23rd and 30th, during the "Territory and Tradition Market" promoted by the Municipality of Sorrento and Coldiretti Campania, in Piazza Andrea Veniero, it will be possible to take part in the "Suspended Farmer's Shopping" initiative and donate fruit, vegetables, cheeses, legumes, jams and many other zero-kilometer products to families in need.
SHOPPING SUSPENDED IN ROME
Also to Rome, during the months of March and April, on the wall of Alberone SquareAlong Via Appia Nuova, neighborhood residents had made packages of fusilli, spaghetti, penne, and conchiglioni available to those in need. Alongside them was a note that read: "If you need anything, take it. Forza Italia."
(Source: the Republic)
Many solidarity initiatives were taking place from one neighborhood to another in the capital. Tiburtina areaMarina, owner of the shop “Briciole di tradizione” at via Carlo Caneva 21, left two bags every day for those most in need, containing a loaf of bread and two slices of white and red pizza and a message: “If you need it, take it, it's free.”
The grocery store “Mondo frutta” in Via Trionfale 14029 instead, gave away fruit and vegetables. And also the social space "Casetta rossa" of Via Magnaghi 14in Garbatella area, had launched the “Suspended Shopping” initiative to support families in difficulty: volunteers prepared meals, packaged them in special single-portion trays and then distributed them to those who needed them most.
This is the beautiful initiative carried out by the herbalist's shop "La Bouganville" in Priscilla Street, in the Trieste neighborhood, an initiative that continued in the following months:
Currently, the suspended shopping is distributed across 36 supermarkets in the The Town Hall.
This is the list of supermarkets in the II Town Hall where it is possible to help those who are experiencing a difficult time:
Conad Supermarket – Piazza Bologna, 60
Pim Supermarket – Via Tripoli, 134
Biopolis Supermarket – Via Tripolitania, 139
Conad Supermarket – Corso Trieste, 200
Conad Supermarket – Via Ignazio Giorgi, 53A
Conad City Supermarket – Viale Regina Margherita, 130
Conad Supermarket – Via Tagliamento, 36
Panis Bakery – Via Tagliamento, 62
Todis Supermarket – Via dei Volsci, 70
Carrefour Supermarket – Via dei Sabelli
Il Castoro Supermarket – Via Nomentana, 6
Il Castoro Supermarket – Via Nomentana, 433
Fresco Market Supermarket – Via Ravenna, 35
Carrefour Supermarket – Via Teodoro Monticelli 9/21
From December 18th, it is possible to participate in the "suspended shopping" initiative also in the markets Triumphal (via Andrea Doria), Of Victory (Sabotino Street), of the Unity (Unity Square), Esquiline (via Principe Amedeo) and Testaccio (via Aldo Manuzio).
About Other initiatives promoted in the capital to help those in difficulty and the list of stores where it is possible to carry out "suspended shopping"
TO KNOW MORE: In Imola, at the Non Sprechi solidarity emporium, shopping is done with points and there is no money.
SPENDING SUSPENDED IN LAZIO
Even in Lazio, and throughout Italy, it is possible to help those who need it most with the initiative "Farmer's suspended spending" promoted by Campagna Amica farmers. When shopping, you can donate locally sourced food and drinks or support families in need with a cash donation using the IBAN activated by the Campagna Amica Foundation.
A Nettuno, the "Solidarity Shopping" initiative continues in these supermarkets:
- TODIS (via Santa Barbara 125)
- SIGMA (via Santa Barbara 174)
- CRAI (via San Giacomo 93)
- MINIMARKET (via dei Tinozzi 29)
- MARKET 2000 (via Traunreut 40)
- ELITE (via De Gasperi 21)
- AG FOOD (via Lombardia 9)
- PANORAMA (via La Malfa 48)
- IN'S (via La Malfa 9)
- CARREFOUR (via Trieste 18 – via Diaz)
- ROSSANA (via Santa Maria Goretti 156)
- TO THE SIN OF GLUTTONY (via Santa Maria Goretti 3)
- EUROSPIN (via Scipione Borghese snc)
- FRESCO (Market Square)
- FRESCO MARKET (Via Carlo Cattaneo)
- MORE FRUIT (Via dell'Olmo)
- CONAD (Le Vele Shopping Center – via Scipione Borghese)
A Formia The stores where you can make a "suspended shopping" are: Panorama, Todis, F&D Market (Via Rotabile), Eurospin, IDA srl (CONAD Via Palazzo), Specialità Nostrane srl - via Rubino 28, Market Sant'Erasmo Marino, La Ghiottona, COOP, Salsiccia & Dintorni” di Penitro, IP Veneziano, IN'S, CONAD Via Unità d'Italia, MD, Frutteria Leccese (Sant'Erasmo), CONAD CITY S. Janni, Il Salumaio, Recco, Farmacia San Vincenzo, Farmacia di Nella, Mr Risparmio, “Ottimo” Santo Janni. It is also possible to donate remotely via bank transfer. For more information, please consult the the website of the Municipality of Formia.
Spending suspended in Lombardy
A Bergamo, until December 24th, it will be possible to help those in difficulty, thanks to the "suspended shopping" project carried out by the farmers of Campagna Amica.
Here are the dates and markets:
- Piazza Mascheroni Market – Sunday, December 20
- Santo Spirito Square Market – Tuesday, December 22 (morning)
- Pontida Square Market – Thursday, December 24 (morning)
- Alebardi Square Market (Seriate) – Thursday, December 24 (morning)
SHOPPING SUSPENDED IN MILAN
A Milan, the activity of the solidarity supermarket «Solidando» in via Santa Croce 15 and of the solidarity shops present in the city.
From “suspended spending” to “suspended trolley”, the initiative of Charity Ambrosiana To support families and individuals in need. A donation is all it takes to fill a virtual shopping cart, which will then be transformed into a real one, thanks to a partnership with Coop Lombardia. The donation will also be doubled by the Cariplo Foundation, allowing the shelves of the Empori della Solidarita to be filled.
It is possible to help those in difficulty also through the project carried out by the supermarket chain EsselungaAll it takes is a thousand Fidaty points to donate €15 worth of basic necessities to those most in need. Alternatively, you can participate in the food drive, which volunteer associations then distribute to those in need. And the suspended shopping continues in supermarkets as well. Carrefour and in the different Coop points of the Lombardy region.
SHOPPING SUSPENDED IN VENETO
In the province of Padua, in ConselveSuspended shopping is available at Eurospar supermarkets, the Lando Shopping Center, and Prix Quality. Alternatively, you can support families in need by making a donation via IBAN. For more information, please visit the Conselve Municipality website.
TO KNOW MORE: Solidarity bakeries, where you can donate bread to the poor every day. This prevents waste and helps those in need.
Shopping suspended in Trentino Alto Adige
A Bolzano it is possible to help those in need through FoodnetBZ, the solidarity network that several commercial businesses and supermarkets belong to.
The FoodnetBz network, which includes the Trentino Alto Adige Food Bank, Caritas diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone, Volontarius-Cacciatori di Briciole, La Stada-Der Weg, the S. Stefano Association, S. Vincenzo, Vinzenzverein and the Italian Red Cross, Cngei Bolzano section, Fercam and Alpine Troops, has also started the project in Merano.
Shopping suspended in Friuli Venezia Giulia
A UdineThe Terminal Nord Shopping Park, in collaboration with Caritas, has launched a "suspended shopping" initiative, also offering the option of purchasing a special gift card to be left at the Carrefour supermarket so that Caritas can then distribute it to those most in need.
SHOPPING SUSPENDED IN PIEDMONT
A Turin, all initiatives regarding suspended spending can be reported on the portal Future Generations.
And always to Turin the collaboration between continues Eataly Turin Lingotto e “Turin Solidarity”, the project promoted by the City of Turin with the Piedmont Food Bank, the Charity Bank, and the local private social network. At Eataly Torino Lingotto, it will be possible to purchase food items to be donated to families in need. Alternatively, it is possible to make a monetary donation.
SHOPPING SUSPENDED IN LIGURIA
A garlenda, a community of just over a thousand residents in the province of Savona, Liguria, the residents who joined the Facebook group "Sei di Garlenda se..." (You are from Garlenda if...) during the months of March and April, launched a solidarity collection of food and basic necessities involving all the businesses in the village. To donate, all they had to do was leave the products they wanted in a special basket when shopping. The merchants themselves and the parish priest of Garlenda then took care of the distribution to those in need.
A Genoa, 17 organizations in the Middle Bisagno Valley, including parishes, scouts, and community centers, joined together to offer support to families in need through the "Suspended Shopping" project, sponsored by the Middle Bisagno Municipality and Confesercenti. Once again, the suspended shopping was collected at participating supermarkets: those wishing to participate could leave their food items in the designated carts located at the entrances of the various stores. On the website www.genova20.com, the list of sales outlets.
SHOPPING SUSPENDED IN SARDINIA
Fundraising to help people in difficulty who are unable to do the shopping, even at SassariThere are also many outlets where you can buy basic necessities such as water, coffee, pasta, biscuits, canned goods, olive oil, as well as baby diapers and personal hygiene products to be used for "solidarity shopping." For more information, please consult the Municipality website.
SHOPPING SUSPENDED IN UMBRIA
A Seal, a town of just over 2 inhabitants in the province of Perugia, the Municipality has set up a donation account and promoted the "suspended shopping" project to meet the needs of the most vulnerable segments of the population. Among the businesses participating in the initiative are "I sapori del Borgo" by Costantino Notari, "Sigillo Carni dei F.lli Cesarini", "Il Forno di Brugnoni Gabriella", and "i Frutti della Terra" by Romina Viola.
SHOPPING SUSPENDED IN MOLISE
A Larino, in the province of Campobasso, it is possible to participate in the solidarity collection of basic necessities at the Despar supermarket.
A Isernia, instead, the solidarity campaign was promoted by the “Dok” stores.
SHOPPING SUSPENDED IN BASILICATA
A PotenzaThe "Io Potentino Onlus" association has launched the "LaSpesaXte" initiative: to join, simply leave a monetary donation to participating businesses. Each week, the donation will be converted into food groceries for families in need. Alternatively, you can make a donation to the association's bank account.
SHOPPING SUSPENDED IN CALABRIA
A Reggio Calabria "La spesa SOSpesa" (Spending Shopping) has launched, an initiative to support the solidarity network promoted by Banco Alimentare, Caritas, the Red Cross, and the Municipal Civil Protection Department, to help families in need. These are the businesses that have already chosen to participate in the initiative:
- “Bread and Variety” Shop, Pellaro, Via Nazionale San Leo 143
- Ylenia Cardillo, fruit, vegetables and food
- CROSSROADS of Via Pio XI
- CONAD
Gallico, Via Nazionale 164
Gallico, via Quarnaro trav1
Pellaro, via Sottolume, crossroads Scordino 16 - CRAI
via Santa Caterina
Reggio Campi Street - DESPAR
Via Aspromonte 30
Via Possidonea 47
Aschenez Street extension 15 D
S. 106 Ionian Highway Pellaro - IPERCOOP
Via De Nava n. 1
Porto Bolaro Shopping Center
Le Ninfee Commercial Park - Market Molè in via G. Musella 6
- Giustra Bakery in Piazza Carmine, corner of Via Muratori and Via XXI Agosto
- “360° Bakery by Lo Bianco Michele”, in Via Polistena 58
Green and blue of Via Pio XI
- Piana Farm at Viale Calabria 342
- Frugì fruit, vegetables and groceries at Via Stadio a valle 30
The list is constantly updated. Businesses wishing to participate in the initiative can send an email to [email protected]
For more information you can consult the website of the Municipality of Reggio Calabria.
Suspended spending in Italy: how to report an initiative
Our list is constantly updated. To report an initiative related to "suspended shopping" in your region, write to us at [email protected]
SOLIDARITY IN THE WORLD OF FOOTBALL
The Serie A football team, theAS Roma, through his non-profit organization Rome CaresDuring the months of the national lockdown, the club decided to gift all its season ticket holders aged 75 and over with a box filled with essential food items and a series of medical supplies needed to combat the coronavirus epidemic. It was a truly special surprise, especially for Eliseo, last season's oldest season ticket holder at 97.
The #ASRoma It has restarted with the Roma Cares deliveries, distributing medical supplies in two hospitals, food and masks for the most needy in three parishes in the suburbs, 200 masks, 600 gloves and Roma shirts for children in two foster homes. pic.twitter.com/EnkMwmJVNL
- AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) March 31, 2020
Furthermore, as reported on the AS Roma website, the Company had ordered, with the proceeds from the fundraising campaign launched to support the Spallanzani hospital in Rome, eight lung ventilators (three for intensive care and five for sub-intensive care) e eight beds for intensive care.
Roma Cares had also delivered to some Roman hospitals approximately 13.000 FFP2 masks e 120 500ml bottles of hand sanitizer. In the outskirts of the capital, however, the Club had distributed approximately 8.000 pairs of protective gloves e 2.000 bottles of disinfectant gel.
On the occasion of World Day of the Poor which falls on November 12, Roma Cares had distributed 5 parcels containing basic food necessities to around sixty Roman parishes.
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