Casa Santa Giulia is an educational, cultural and charitable facility in the heart of Vanchiglia, a neighborhood marked by strong contrasts: alongside the university and the city center, social degradation, drug dealing and bad nightlife coexist. The neighborhood has the lowest score on the city socioeconomic index and the lowest per capita income (Withub 2023).
In this context, parish Caritas records an increase in requests for help, not only material but also relational. Many families struggle to access fresh food, which has negative repercussions on health and well-being. In addition to youth hardship and the loneliness of the elderly, there are difficulties in supporting educational and recreational activities for children. At the same time, young volunteers express a strong need for meaning and active participation.
What the project involves
The initiative aims to structure a stable and dignified distribution of fruit, vegetables and fresh foods selected for the families in charge of Caritas di Casa Santa Giulia, complementing what has already been provided by the Food Bank. These are not waste or unsold, but quality products, capable of positively affecting the health and autonomy of people.
The main objectives are to
- improve the quality of life of families in difficulty;
- guarantee 20 minors the right to sports and extracurricular activities;
- actively involve high school students in continuous volunteering and training courses.
The activities include the weekly distribution of fresh food, the direct involvement of volunteers in the preparation and delivery phases, moments of relational accompaniment and educational restitution meetings with educators, teachers and parish representatives.
The beneficiaries
The direct beneficiaries of the project are 100 families dependent on Caritas, equal to approximately 234 people, as well as 60 high school students employed as volunteers.
The indirect beneficiaries are approximately 3,000 people, among the users of the activities of Casa Santa Giulia and Caritas, in addition to the entire community of the neighborhood that benefits from a strengthening of the social and solidarity fabric.
Project name: Siamo alla frutta!
Proposing organisation: Casa Santa Giulia APS
Area of intervention: Inclusion & Social Development
Country: Italy