A small part of the weekly shop set aside for those who struggle to fill their trolleys. On Saturday 14 November, the national Food Collection Day returns to San Marino, marking its thirtieth anniversary this year.
More than 200 volunteers from both lay and Catholic associations will be stationed at the Republic’s main supermarkets. They will invite shoppers to donate oil, pulses, tinned vegetables, tomato preserves, tuna, tinned meat and baby products.
The initiative is promoted by the Fondazione Banco Alimentare and the Amici del Banco Alimentare San Marino association. The Banco Alimentare Emilia-Romagna supports the effort and, throughout the year, supplies the vicarial Caritas of San Marino, which through its Centro Casa San Michele assists more than 80 families, for a total of around 200 people.
The collection takes place under the high patronage of the Captains Regent Gerardo Giovagnoli and William Casali, who received in audience the association’s board, volunteers and supporters, accompanied by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Security, Massimo Andrea Ugolini.
Also taking part in the meeting were Stefano Dalmonte, president of the Banco Alimentare Emilia-Romagna, and Luca Foscoli, director of the diocesan Caritas.
The Captains Regent highlighted the value of the Collection as an experience of solidarity, sharing and active citizenship, stressing the importance of a community capable of standing by those in difficulty.
«We are certain that the people of San Marino will once again surprise us, showing the generosity they have already demonstrated so many times over the years», said Davide Cavalli, president of the Amici del Banco Alimentare San Marino association. Cavalli also praised the volunteers and donors whose participation makes the collection possible.
Foscoli recalled that behind the figures of assistance lie real people and families, whose needs also involve relationships and human warmth. Dalmonte underlined the value of giving and of the encounter between those who offer help and those who receive it, describing it as an example for younger generations too.
