L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021 www.italoamericano.org 32 L'Italo-Americano rity that many people are facing. This international p r o j e c t i s a l s o a t a n g i b l e example of Italian people's g r e a t s o c i a l s o l i d a r i t y towards poor and disadvan- taged people. O n e o f t h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t t h i n g s t h e Refettorio wants to do is to strengthen communi- ty resilience, especially h o w w e g e t o u t o f t h e pandemic. How will this project help build on it? This project represents both the strengthening of community resilience and an o p p o r t u n i t y t o p r o v i d e a sense of belonging for San Franciscans and everyone in t h e B a y A r e a . R e f e t t o r i o plans to work with individu- als, families, children, and y o u t h , a l l t h e v u l n e r a b l e people who are in need of social and economic capital. When we help our most vul- nerable parts of society, we are able to build a communi- ty for all, which will ulti- mately strengthen commu- nity resilience. The relationship with l o c a l c o m m u n i t i e s i s g o i n g t o b e c r u c i a l . What's the plan for the near future? The plan is to engage the community in every aspect of it, to empower and grow a local organization that pro- m o t e s s o c i o - e c o n o m i c m o b i l i t y a n d a h e a l t h i e r food network. This will be accomplished by offering food education initiatives, cultural programs, events, and volunteer opportunities that promote social cohesion through a food system. As Consul General, I also call upon the various Italian- American Associations in the Bay Area, whose involve- ment in the community can- not be understated, and will be fundamental to the suc- cess of the Refettorio. The goal is to open this project to as many people as possible by providing multiple paths of involvement. By doing this, we can engage with the community in a deeper and wider way. Are there any events that will allow the com- munity to learn and get to know the project? T h e b e s t w a y t o k n o w about the project is by get- ting involved. Refettorio has an active team and its daily events are meant to allow integration between the pro- ject and the community. The most important upcoming event will take place on the occasion of the 6th World W e e k o f I t a l i a n C u i s i n e when we will be awarding the Second Edition of the Carol Field Award that hon- ors Carol Field, an innovator i n t h e e s t a b l i s h m e n t o f Italian Cuisine on the West Coast. I hope that many San Franciscans will go to the Refettorio, help the team, and be a part of this wonder- ful community! Refettorio San Francisco aims at getting many people involved, to become a real hub not only for those in need but for the community as a whole (Photo: The Consulate General in San Francisco) SAN FRANCISCO ITALIAN COMMUNITY Refettorio plans to work with all the vulnerable people who are in need of social and economic capital. When we help our most vulnerable parts of society, we are able to build a community for all, which will ultimately strengthen community resilience "Cooking is an act of love," says Massimo Bottura (Photo: The Consulate General in San Francisco) Continued from page 30

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