From municipal olive trees to the soup kitchen table: in Verona, olive oil becomes solidarity

In Verona, olive oil is not only discussed at SOL Expo: the city’s olive trees are at the heart of a story that goes beyond production and consumption. For the third year in a row, the project focused on harvesting and processing olives from municipal olive trees has proven to be a tangible example of how a public asset can be transformed into a social good. An initiative that weaves together urban decor, environmental sustainability, and care for the most vulnerable people, growing year after year thanks to a virtuous network of associations, volunteers, and local companies.

The olives’ journey of solidarity begins in some of the city’s most emblematic locations: Piazza Isolo, Piazza Santa Toscana, Lungadige Rubele, the Pradaval Gardens, and Piazza Quinzano. Here, in early November, volunteers from Auser Verona harvested the fruit from around thirty trees located in public gardens and spaces, following authorization from the Municipal Department for Gardens and Urban Furnishings. In total, approximately three quintals of olives were collected, embarking on a transformation process capable of generating value far beyond their weight.

Auser, an association long committed to accompanying and supporting older people, has been the driving force behind the initiative since its inception. This year as well, it coordinated the harvest by involving volunteers and local organizations, resulting in a total production of 42 liters of extra virgin olive oil—double the amount obtained the previous year. This growth reflects both the effectiveness of the project and the community’s increasing engagement.

A key contribution comes from the Frantoio Fratelli Compri in Cazzano di Tramigna, which for three years has provided olive milling free of charge, making it possible to turn the harvest into high-quality oil. Its excellence has been certified by AIPO – Interregional Association of Olive Oil Producers, which carried out the analyses and confirmed the product’s outstanding characteristics.

All the oil produced was donated to the San Bernardino Soup Kitchen, a vital resource for supporting people in need. Every day, thanks to the commitment of the parish and its volunteers, the soup kitchen provides a warm, dignified meal to those who need it most. “For our guests, having a healthy food product is essential,” recalled Father Giuseppe, emphasizing not only the symbolic but also the nutritional value of the initiative, and thanking everyone who contributed to the harvest and production.

The project also stands as a concrete example of circular economy applied in an urban context. “It is an initiative that shows how what risks becoming waste can be transformed into a resource,” explained Federico Benini, Councillor for Green Areas, Roads, and Gardens. “Olives that would otherwise have fallen to the ground or been discarded are now becoming a valuable food for those in need. As a municipal administration, this confirms our attention to the most vulnerable people, and we thank Auser’s volunteers for the passion with which they carry out their work.”

A collaboration that brings together institutions, the volunteer sector, and productive enterprises, already looking ahead to the future. The goal for next year is to exceed 50 liters of olive oil, continuing to enhance the city’s green heritage and transform it into a tangible act of solidarity. Because in Verona, from municipal olive trees to the soup kitchen table, even a small fruit can become a great story of community.