In a heartwarming initiative, McDonald’s, in collaboration with the Ronald McDonald Children’s Foundation and local food banks, is making a significant impact in two Italian cities—Novara and Vibo Valentia—by donating hot meals to those in need. This charitable effort, known as "Sempre aperti a donare" (Always Open to Donate), is now in its fifth edition and aims to provide not just food, but also a sense of community and support for the vulnerable.
In Novara, the program donates 100 hot meals each week through partnerships with local organizations. The McDonald’s restaurant located in Piazzale Giuseppe Fortina plays a crucial role in this initiative, with its team preparing the meals that are distributed to the Opera Don Guanella, a local charitable organization. This effort is part of a broader mission that began during the pandemic, designed to offer comfort and assistance to those facing difficult circumstances.
According to a press release from the Ronald McDonald Foundation, "In the city, there are 100 hot meals donated each week through some affiliated local organizations. A small gesture like offering a lunch or dinner helps us be close to those living in difficult and precarious conditions." The program has seen remarkable success, with over 750,000 hot meals provided across Italy in the last four editions, thanks to the collaboration with Banco Alimentare, Comunità di Sant’Egidio, and hundreds of local charitable organizations.
Meanwhile, in Vibo Valentia, the same initiative is making waves by providing another 100 hot meals each week. The McDonald’s restaurant in Viale Affaccio is also heavily involved, with its staff preparing meals that are distributed to various local charities, including the Centro di solidarietà "Don Mottola" in Tropea, the Onlus "Fiori nel Deserto" in Vibo Valentia, and the Istituto "Maria Immacolata" in Vibo Valentia, among others. This local collaboration aims to foster a supportive environment for those in need.
The press release highlights that "the new edition aims to offer 250,000 hot meals by May 2025," with a long-term goal of reaching 1 million meals donated since the initiative's launch in 2020. This ambitious target reflects McDonald’s commitment to supporting local communities and addressing food insecurity.
McDonald’s has been a staple in Italy for 39 years, operating over 750 restaurants and employing approximately 38,000 people who serve around 1.2 million customers daily. The company emphasizes its dedication to local sourcing, with 90% of its restaurants managed through franchising, showcasing the involvement of over 160 local entrepreneurs.
In addition to the meal donation initiative, the Ronald McDonald Children’s Foundation plays a vital role in supporting families with sick children. Founded in the United States in 1974 and established in Italy in 1999, the foundation aims to strengthen family bonds and remove barriers to care for children undergoing treatment away from their homes. The foundation operates four Ronald McDonald Houses in Italy, which provide accommodations and support for families during challenging times.
As of 2023, the Banco Alimentare, which coordinates food recovery and distribution efforts across Italy, reported that it distributed over 119,000 tons of food, helping approximately 1.79 million people in need through a network of about 7,600 charitable organizations. This collaboration with McDonald’s and the Ronald McDonald Foundation highlights the importance of community involvement in addressing food insecurity and supporting vulnerable populations.
The "Sempre aperti a donare" initiative is not just about providing meals; it’s about creating a sense of belonging and support for those who are struggling. By joining forces with local organizations, McDonald’s and its partners are making a tangible difference in the lives of many individuals and families.
As the initiative continues to grow, it serves as a reminder of the power of community and the impact that collective efforts can have in addressing pressing social issues. With plans to expand its reach and increase the number of meals donated, the program is poised to leave a lasting legacy of kindness and support for those in need.
