More than 80 families, totalling around 200 people, are receiving food assistance in San Marino through Caritas. These figures paint a picture of economic hardship that affects the Titano as well, forming the backdrop to the Food Bank Collection (Colletta Alimentare), scheduled for Saturday, November 14, at the Republic’s main supermarkets.
Throughout the day, more than 200 volunteers—belonging to both secular and Catholic associations—will be on hand to collect food items for those struggling to make ends meet. The initiative, promoted by the Fondazione Banco Alimentare and Amici del Banco Alimentare San Marino, marks its 30th anniversary this year.
The mechanism is simple: shoppers can buy a few extra items and hand them over to volunteers stationed at the supermarket exits. Items most needed include oil, pulses, canned vegetables, tomato preserves, tuna, canned meat, and baby food—all long-lasting products that can be distributed in the months ahead.
The food collected will be channeled, via the Banco Alimentare Emilia-Romagna, to the Caritas Vicariale di San Marino, which through its Centro Casa San Michele supports more than 80 families in need. This assistance continues throughout the year and involves roughly 200 people in total.
The initiative has also received backing from San Marino’s institutions. Captains Regent Gerardo Giovagnoli and William Casali met with representatives of the association, volunteers, and supporters, in the presence of the Secretary of State for Health, Massimo Andrea Ugolini.
The Regency described the Collection as “an exercise in teaching solidarity, sharing, and active citizenship,” highlighting the role of volunteering in helping the most vulnerable.
Davide Cavalli, president of Amici del Banco Alimentare San Marino, expressed confidence in the public’s response: “We are certain the people of San Marino will surprise us once again, showing the generosity they have already demonstrated time and time again over the years.”
Luca Foscoli, director of the Diocesan Caritas, pointed out that behind the assistance figures lie families and individuals facing real hardship, often compounded by loneliness. For Stefano Dalmonte, president of Banco Alimentare Emilia-Romagna, the Collection instead represents “a gesture of peace,” grounded in the value of giving and human connection.
