We know how crucial work is for the social inclusion of people who find themselves on the margins of society, whether because of health problems or because they are former prisoners or long-term unemployed: work offers them not only a source of income, but also dignity and a sense of belonging. In this context, agriculture, food production and catering provide great opportunities for growth and integration. These areas enable people to develop concrete skills, create community ties and actively contribute to a sustainable economy, while promoting a welcoming and inclusive environment. Since 2015, the Cooperativa Sociale Casa Ilaria has been seeking precisely to create training and job placement opportunities for people with disabilities and disadvantaged conditions. It does so at Casa Ilaria, an old Benedictine convent that has become a place for meeting, growth and training. The project we decided to support, Food for Inclusion, aims to achieve social inclusion through two main areas with food at the center: Street Social Food, which provides training paths to hire on a temporary basis 4 food operators in charge of food preparation and street sales with Ape Piaggio. Along with accompaniment to employment, psychological support from a volunteer psychologist is also provided for the beneficiaries. RistorAzioni, which provides for the establishment of a new restaurant within the Casa Ilaria complex, to carry out training paths aimed at the temporary employment of 3 employees in cooking and catering activities and to set up a permanent training center with the aim of training other young people in disadvantaged situations to work. The intervention is part of a broad structured project that aims to create an integrated offer, including not only catering, but also tourist reception, organic farming at Km 0, horseback riding, training, workshop, cultural and social activities. This vision aims to enhance the area while promoting the social inclusion of people in marginal situations, thus creating a synergy between local development and social responsibility. Details Location: Palaia (PI) Association: Cooperativa Sociale Casa Ilaria Beneficiaries: 7 people with intellectual disability, mental and social distress Contribution: 50,000 euros Period: September 2024 - August 2025
