Abruzzo Earthquake Relief Fund

Following the earthquake which hit the central Italian city of L’Aquila during the night of April 5-6, Slow Food and its network of members have been raising funds to assist those devastated by the disaster which left some 28,000 homeless.

Funds are being used to rebuild the city’s covered market, where a new community-run Earth Market will be established, involving local producers that demonstrate the principles of Slow Food.

In addition, Slow Food is using funds to support the “10 Gardens in 10 Tent Cities” project it has initiated to involve older people and children living in temporary 'tent cities' in a useful and rewarding activity. These gardens will not only provide fresh, healthy produce on-site but also highlight the importance of local agricultural biodiversity and agricultural sustainability as the region is being restored. The gardens - which have already been prepared and sown with seeds - are a symbol of revival and a way of strengthening bonds between people. Trainers from the Slow Food Convivium Gardens network and experts from the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park will assist volunteers to look after the gardens.

The Regional Governor of Slow Food Abruzzo Raffaele Cavallo wrote:
It has been more than two months since the massive earthquake struck the Region of Abruzzo, and I would like to thank all the people who have expressed their solidarity from all over the world to those affected by this dramatic event. A heartfelt thank to all those who have joined the efforts of Slow Food Italy and of Slow Food International by giving their contribution to the campaign.