Work on the renovation of the third Neighbourhood Hub against food wastage in Gallaratese (Municipality 8 of Milan) has been completed, and it is opening with two new features: in addition to the collection and redistribution of surpluses, it also brings with it a fair trade market and educational and training activities for women and children in need.
The new hub joins the two already active in the Isola (Municipality 9) and Lambrate (Municipality 3) neighbourhoods, which guarantee the recovery and redistribution of around 20 tonnes of food per month (equal to 40,000 meals).
The project was founded in 2016, as part of the actions defined in the ‘Zero Sprechi’ protocol, promoted by the Municipality of Milan, Politecnico di Milano, Fondazione Cariplo and Assolombarda Food Group.
The new hub will be a meeting point for the members of the Gallaratese neighbourhood, thanks to the new concept that integrates diverse groups, designed to enhance social inclusion through food support and assistance. Areal added value for the whole area, that is going to redevelop a neglected space and will be part of an already existing network of very lively and creative associations, which have made an extraordinary work in these months of pandemic.
In addition to the initiative’s long-standing partners, this opening was made possible thanks to a contribution of 75,000 euros from the Fondazione Milan, resulting from the “Derby Together” initiative, which made it possible to renovate the Milan City Council’s space in Via Appennini 50.
The new multi-purpose space will be managed by the Terre des Hommes Foundation, which is already part of the new Food Aid System in Municipalities 7 and 8. Their fellow participants will be IBVA for the fair trade market, the Milan Committee of the Italian Red Cross, Rimaflow, STAG, the QuBì network in Gallaratese, Mitades, Paloma 2000, Mamme a Scuola and the Global Thinking Foundation. Additionally, the help of volunteers will be invaluable to ensure a permanent presence at the Hub and continuity of service.
As in the other Neighbourhood Hubs, the organisational model is developed by the Politecnico di Milano.
We are working with the other partners to try out a new management model in the Gallaratese area and to improve existing hubs through the active involvement of donor companies and the continuous monitoring of processes and the results achieved, in order to respond more effectively to the emerging needs of the urban population.
explains Marco Melacini, Scientific Director of the Food Sustainability Observatory of the Politecnico’s School of Management.
