Olbia celebrates Food Collection Day 2024
It has a special atmosphere Olbiain supermarkets you can feel the warmth of solidarity: it’s there National Food Collection Day. It is the annual event that brings together, with a simple gesture, thousands of people in the fight against food waste and supports those most in need. Behind every stuffed box is a story, an outstretched hand, a little abandonment that goes down well with those who receive it. “The need to share the meaning of life”, this is the spirit that motivates the volunteers, from the youngest students who join for the first time up to those people, as Domenico Aiellocoordinator of Gallura, carrying out this mission for over 25 years.
Today at Olbia they are functioning over 200 volunteersdistributed in 12 stores. The food items collected, with a long shelf life, will be transported to the regional warehouse Food Bank Foundation de Muros and, after careful verification, distributed to affiliated societies. By Christmas, these foods will reach the tables of those who need them most, bringing not only food, but also a tangible sign of closeness. “It’s not just a question of food parcels” he emphasizes Daniele Derosasresponsible for Olbia, “but hope and dignity. The smile of the giver is reflected in the smile of the recipient, and it is this exchange that makes the difference.”
This is where you can donate in Olbia
The sales points where you can go to donate food are: Olbia-Mare Shopping Centre via PaveseTerranova Shopping Centre, Romagnolo Aldo Moro free,Lidl Avenue of the SpacersSuperpan ex. Crispy squareDettori Crai through SangalloMD through RomeMD zone airportMD Corso Vittorio VenetoMD Basa Avenue.
The Food Drive is not a single event, but the culmination of a year-long commitment. Since the 1990s, when the Banco Alimentare Foundation took its first steps in Italy, the project has been consolidated thanks to the contribution of thousands of volunteers and the support of local entities such as the Gallura area. GO Calangianusthe Solidarity Bank named after him Paola Tamponithe symbolic figure of the Colletta in Gallura, continuing his work tirelessly. The volunteers do not limit themselves to the distribution of food: every visit is a moment of listening, comfort and sharing. “We not only bring food, but also the certainty that no one is forgotten” say the volunteers with excitement.
In an often indifferent world, the Food Collection reminds us of the value of small gestures that become big. As Pope Francis expressed in ten lines: “Let’s not forget to preserve the small details of love: stopping, approaching, paying a little attention, a smile, a care, a word of comfort”.
Today, these details multiply in supermarkets in Olbia and throughout Italy. Anyone can participate by donating a pack of pasta, baby food, canned tuna and meat, oil or biscuits, coffee, long life milk, transforming a simple act into a moment of true charity. Because, as the volunteers say, “the good makes life more beautiful, for those who receive and for those who give”.
With the growth of poverty and the reduction in the number of volunteers in recent years, the Food Collection needs new energy. “Olbia has huge potential, but more volunteers are needed to cover all the sales points,” explains Domenico Aiello. The appeal is clear: every hand counts, every smile makes a difference.
Food Collection Day does not end today. It is a spark that ignites the fire of solidarity, an invitation to be more generous, closer, more human.
How can volunteers get involved in food collection events throughout the year?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Expert on Food Donation Initiatives
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Elena Rossi, an esteemed expert in social welfare and community outreach. Today, we’re discussing the recent National Food Collection Day celebrated in Olbia. It’s a heartwarming initiative that seems to grow each year. What can you tell us about the significance of events like these?
Dr. Elena Rossi: Thank you for having me! National Food Collection Day is absolutely vital not just for alleviating hunger but for fostering a sense of community and solidarity. In Olbia, as we saw, hundreds of volunteers came together, reminding us that even the smallest act—like donating food—can lead to significant change for those in need.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely, and the article highlighted the warmth and spirit of solidarity present in supermarkets. Could you elaborate on why that emotional connection is essential in such initiatives?
Dr. Elena Rossi: Certainly. The emotional aspect cannot be overstated. Each box of food collected has a story, and the act of giving creates a powerful bond between the giver and the receiver. As Daniele Derosas mentioned, it’s about hope and dignity. When people feel that their contributions make a difference, it encourages more involvement and strengthens community ties, which can often become fragmented.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned community ties—how do you think initiatives like the Food Collection Day can impact local communities beyond the immediate assistance provided?
Dr. Elena Rossi: Initiatives like these serve as a catalyst for broader social change. They raise awareness about food waste and the systemic issues surrounding hunger. The more people engage in these activities, the more they share their experiences and stories. In the long term, this can lead to greater advocacy for policies that address food insecurity and waste management on a larger scale.
Time.news Editor: That makes a lot of sense. The article mentioned volunteers from different age groups participating, from students to long-time helpers like Domenico Aiello. What role do you believe youth involvement plays in shaping the future of such initiatives?
Dr. Elena Rossi: Involving youth is crucial. It not only instills values of compassion and responsibility in younger generations but also empowers them to be active participants in their communities. When students see the tangible impacts of their efforts, it fosters a lifelong commitment to service and social justice. They are often the ones to bring fresh ideas and energy to these initiatives, broadening their reach and effectiveness.
Time.news Editor: Given the ongoing challenges of poverty and food waste, what steps can communities take throughout the year to sustain the spirit of the Food Collection Day?
Dr. Elena Rossi: It’s essential for communities to engage in continuous dialogue about these issues. Establishing regular food drives, community meals, or educational workshops on food sustainability can keep the momentum going. Additionally, collaborating with local businesses, schools, and organizations can create a network of support that not only addresses food donation but also educates the public about the importance of reducing waste and sharing resources.
Time.news Editor: What an enlightening perspective! As we wrap our discussion, what message would you like to impart to those who may want to get involved in such initiatives?
Dr. Elena Rossi: I’d urge everyone to consider that every small gesture can lead to monumental change. Whether you can donate food, time, or even spread the word, your involvement matters. The essence of community is about looking out for one another, and initiatives like the National Food Collection Day exemplify the impact we can have when we come together for a common cause. Remember, in giving, we often receive so much more in terms of connection and purpose.
Time.news Editor: Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Rossi. Your passion for community involvement and social welfare is inspiring, and I hope this conversation encourages more people to engage in similar causes.
Dr. Elena Rossi: Thank you, and I hope so too! Together, we can make a difference, one small act at a time.