First the gas model, then the evolution into the sale of food products and more: lo “People’s shop” it was opened in 2013 by the “Olga Marchisio” workers’ mutual aid society in via Brofferio, next to the Casa del Popolo. After Stefano Bego and Roberto Romito, since 2016 the manager is Sergio Zappa which confirms the inspiration that came from collective purchasing groups of agricultural products: «We started out following that imprint – he explains – a respectable purchasing method, but confined to a small circle of people who share an idea on how to produce and consume primary goods, while we think it is necessary to widen the users of this consumption model». From these premises the idea of the shop run by volunteers, with only the costs of logistics (rent, utilities), opening the doors of the short supply chain and km0 to other people as well «who for different reasons would hardly join a buying group». To shop at the canteen you need a card: «It costs 5 euros for several years. There are around 250 members». But drug dealing is much more than that. «As Soms we have launched activities and initiatives on various strands – explains Zappa – in the meantime on the goods for sale the mark-up is minimal, from 15 to 25% ». Policy that applies to all products from fruit and vegetables to packaged. «We favor organic and integrated agriculture – he continues – our references are local producers, except for some specialties from further afield, but always with limited distances. Collaboration with Libera and with the companies that work the land confiscated from the mafias is also fundamental». Equally important are educational courses and projects, such as courses on the seasonality of products. A summary of the conferences on food quality is contained in the notebook «Notes on the short supply chain and on the seasonality of agricultural production» produced withwith the contribution of the Crat Foundation. The texts of Giovanni Pensabene, explain the short supply chain, the direct relationship between production and consumption, also addressing other issues that revolve around food and its link with the territory «to build accessible and aware consumption paths». In the same vein, the brochure «Let’s throw it in the pot. Recipes against food waste» as part of the Territory and Health project: «Introducing the phenomenon and its consequences on the environment – says Zappa – 30 recipes for recovering leftovers». Therefore, activities on social, ethical, educational but also health issues “against the abandonment of care”: «Thanks to Dr. Maurizio Quadri, we guaranteed about thirty eye examinationssupporting only the management costs of the study – explains Zappa – cases have also emerged that required further health care and treatment ».
Patients can identify them with associations such as Piam and Noix De Kola, the Food Bank and the Asti Est Coordination”.
