There are just a few days left until the Food Collection, scheduled for November 16th. The positive news is that the numbers are growing: there are 140 points of sale throughout the province that are joining the initiative. «Compared to the 25 in 2008, it’s a completely different story – underlines Luca Merlino, vice-president of the association. He and the director Giovanni Vultaggio were guests of our editorial staff. There are thirty-five more points of sale compared to last year.” Around eight hundred volunteers will wear the orange jackets next Saturday. Over 460 tons of food collected in 2023. The bad news is that it is never enough. «This year we have suffered – sighs Vultaggio – already in June the stocks in the warehouse had run out. We continued to feed people thanks to financial contributions. Furthermore, being a regional reality, we draw from the Trento warehouse.”
The Food Bank helps around 9,500 people in poverty every month, with around 79 tonnes of food allocated every month. This number increased sharply during and immediately after the pandemic, before declining and rising again in 2022, as the war in Ukraine began and inflation increased. «All the food collected remains here in the province - continues Vultaggio - But the constantly growing demand requires a more incisive collection. The problem is that citizens also find it more difficult to donate.” You can tell by the type of product that is missing from the harvest: oil and tuna are the first to finish. The former in particular has seen a constant increase in the last year, with a national average price of more than 9 euros. «Pasta arrives on its own – explains Merlino – it is the most donated food». Then there is a lot of demand for baby food, rice, sauce, and all non-perishable food, which can be left in warehouse and distributed over the months.
Besides prices, the biggest obstacle is bureaucracy. «Agea foods, long-life products financed by the European Union, have timetables that are not respected. The associations also struggle to find these foods, due to a considerable bureaucratic step. Lacking these products, they all come to ask for them at the Food Bank warehouse. Which isn’t finished.” But the Bank does not lose hope: «Every year we see a lot of generosity – says Vultaggio – from those who donate, but above all from volunteers. Those who spend their time in a simple and authentic gesture.”
The volunteers
This year, for the first time, the Colletta arrives in San Candido. «The owner of the Monika hotel in Sesto Pusteria has approached the Banco and this year he will do the collection with all the employees – says Vultaggio – There are many companies that participate with their employees». It grows, word spreads, and the number of volunteers increases. «But the objective is not just large numbers – underlines Merlino – it is more important to have an experience. We have never lost volunteers, those who join the Bank tend to return the following year. Because charity is learned by doing it. In this case, giving charity means donating your time and effort for a greater purpose.” The people of the Colletta are very colorful: there are not only the associations that take food from the warehouse to distribute them, but also many other organizations and individuals who have nothing to do with the Banco, but share its educational gesture. For example? «Schools, parishes, youth centers… There is no language barrier: Italian native speakers are involved, but also many German speakers». This year many students from the Galilei, Carducci and Walther schools will also participate. The experience is valid as a course of civic education to be carried into high school graduation.
The assistants
The people of those who receive help from the Collection are also very varied. «There are many non-European citizens, but also many natives. Separated fathers, for example, and many elderly people: the most difficult to reach – explains Merlino – There is a lot of shame in asking for help.” «To overcome this obstacle, various associations go house to house to bring food. A different, more delicate approach”, explains Vultaggio. In addition to economic poverty, the Bank’s managers explain, there is also poverty of judgement. «Those who squander on gambling, and do not have an adequate economic education to live with dignity – says Merlino -. Here there is the theme of accompanying measures: a job as important as the donation.”
Interview between Time.news Editor and Luca Merlino & Giovanni Vultaggio, Food Bank Representatives
Editor: Welcome, Luca and Giovanni. It’s great to have you here, especially with the Food Collection event just around the corner on November 16th. It sounds like an exciting time for everyone involved!
Luca Merlino: Thank you for having us! We’re really excited about this year’s event. It’s truly heartwarming to see the participation grow.
Giovanni Vultaggio: Absolutely. With 140 points of sale joining us this year compared to just 25 back in 2008, it’s a testament to the community’s commitment to combating food insecurity.
Editor: That’s quite an impressive increase! I understand that you’ll have around 800 volunteers wearing those distinctive orange jackets. Can you tell us more about the role of volunteers this year?
Giovanni: Volunteers are the backbone of our initiative. They help with everything — from collecting donations to sorting the food at the warehouse. Each year, the spirit of volunteerism seems to grow, and it’s wonderful to see how dedicated people are to the cause.
Luca: And it’s not just about numbers; it’s about creating meaningful experiences. Many volunteers come back every year, proving that engaging in charity work becomes a cherished part of their lives.
Editor: Speaking of engagement, you mentioned that you collected over 460 tons of food this year! But you also indicated that it’s never enough. Can you elaborate on the challenges you’re facing?
Giovanni: Yes, although 460 tons is significant, it barely meets the demand. We currently assist about 9,500 people in poverty each month, distributing around 79 tons of food each month. The demand fluctuates, especially with recent economic pressures and events like the war in Ukraine.
Editor: It’s alarming to hear that your stocks ran out as early as June. How has inflation affected your operations and the type of food that is being donated?
Luca: Inflation has definitely impacted donations. Certain items, like oil and tuna, are in very high demand and run out quickly. The rising prices discourage some people from donating as they too have to manage their own budgets.
Giovanni: And we see a shift in what’s available too. Pasta always comes in, but we’re struggling for non-perishables like baby food and sauces, which are essential for families.
Editor: That leads us to another challenge: bureaucracy. You mentioned difficulties with accessing EU-funded long-life products. Can you explain how that affects your operations?
Giovanni: Certainly. The bureaucratic hurdles can be daunting. Timelines are often not respected, and it restricts our ability to access vital supplies. Unfortunately, this means more pressure on our local stock.
Editor: It’s heartening to know that despite these challenges, the spirit of generosity is alive. Can you share some stories of community involvement or support that have stood out to you?
Luca: It’s the stories that truly move us. For instance, this year we’ll have a new participant in San Candido, where a hotel owner has rallied his employees to join the Food Collection. This kind of initiative shows how businesses are coming together to support local communities.
Giovanni: Yes! We also see schools and youth centers participating. It’s incredible to witness students not only learning vital lessons about charity but also actively contributing to the cause.
Editor: It sounds like this initiative is not only about food donation but also about community engagement and education. What do you hope the long-term impact will be from events like this?
Luca: We hope that by fostering a culture of giving, it becomes second nature for people to help those in need. Encouraging the values of empathy and social responsibility in young generations is vital for a sustainable future.
Giovanni: Exactly. Every small act counts. The more we can spread awareness about food insecurity, the more powerful our community will become in fighting it.
Editor: Thank you, Luca and Giovanni, for sharing this insightful overview of the Food Collection. We wish you all the best for the event on November 16th, and may it be the most successful one yet!
Luca & Giovanni: Thank you! We appreciate your support and hope to see everyone out there with us.