The problem of food is one of the most dramatic problems of poverty which paradoxically has to do with big European cities. More and more freqently we can see people rummaging for food in dustbins.
Feeding the poor has always been a moral obligation, among all cultures from ancient times, as it relates to the value of life. The scandal
of hunger is on all conscences, both lay and religious. It is rooted in Christian culture as in Hebrew and Islamic cultures and is connected with hospitality. You cannot put off to tomorrow such a vital need, for some-one who cannot wait. Here we have the essence of the culture of solidarity. From this demand and this consciousness the Community of Sant'Egidio, for some time committed to the care of the poor, opened in 1988 an evening canteen, at a time when only lunches for the poor were available in Rome.
It was opened, in the first place, to cater for 350 persons, but the "password" among the poor was such that today that number has risen to between 900 and 110 persons a day. The Roman canteen of the Community is in Via Dandolo 10, in the Trastevere quarter, in a street behind the Ministero della Pubblica Istruzione. It is open Wednesday, and Friday (from 17.00 to 20.00) and Saturday (from 17.00 to 19.30).
The premises have a large entrance, with benches on either side, and frescoes on the walls, of trees and large flowers which creates a warm welcoming atmosphere. In fact, sympathy and warmth of welcome
characterise the place which offers services free. Then there are, beyond the entrance hall, two large rooms, reached via other reception rooms, where it is possible, before eating, to rest, talk, read magazines and books.In fact, there is a small library for guests, and it is possible to loan books, gratis.
This initiative has been successful, as many people love to read novels, history, etc. The welcome extended here is courteous, and people's troubles and worries can be shared. Dinner is served at table by voluntary workers (it is not self-service) who take note of people's preferences. They put hemselves,concretely, at the service of the poor - a gesture which should prick the conscience of society. We see here that those who are usually last, are waited on and made the centre of attention. So the logic of marginlisation s reversed.
The Canteen in Via Dandolo has, since 1988, hosted more than 100 thousand persons and served two million, twenty thousand meals. Particular attention is paid to the food, and to the relgious traditions of those eating here. In respect for Musmems, pork is never served, or wine. Guests are of many different nationalities, including Italians, Eastern Europeans, Asians, and Africans; Many have challenged the open sea to approach the shores of our wealthy world. The sea, like life, sometimes is stormy, and when it is time to sail in a small craft there are many great risks. In cases of shipwreck, the lifeboat remains the only hope of safety.
The mensa in Via Dandolo , like all similar places in the city, was born to be a lifeboat that navigates the great sea of desperation of many to guide them to safety; Today the lifeboat has grown, the welcoming and attention to the poor has turned it into an Arc. The Arc is large and can welcome if need be many. Like a safe Arc, on a stormy sea, it accompanies the lives of many and directs them to a harbour that looks to the future with trust and hope.
