Restaurants In Italy Band Together To Support Earthquake Victims

When a tragedy or catastrophe strikes, it is not unusual for people to come together in the most outstanding ways. A 6.2 magnitude earthquake, as measured by the U.S. geological survey, struck central Italy Wednesday morning while the historic, medieval town of Amatrice was preparing for a food festival.

In the aftermath of the crisis, restaurants from surrounding areas are raising funds for the victims the best way Italians know how — with their pasta.

Before the devastating quake, which left a reported 247 fatalities, with many more injured, the town was ready to celebrate its 50th annual spaghetti Amatriciana festival. Amatrice is a town and commune in the province of Reiti, known to be the birthplace of the bacon-and-tomato spaghetti sauce that goes on the all’ Amatriciana.

Italian food blogger Paolo Campana spearheaded a proposal that suggested his friends in the food industry donate a Euro for every plate of all’ Amatriciana sold.

Even celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is helping with pasta, as he and 700 of his fellow chefs around the world will be selling Amatriciana for Amatrice, where 2 euros of every plate sold will go toward helping the Italian city, through the Red Cross.

Hi guys in support of the victims of the earthquake in Italy me and my 700 chefs at Jamie’s Italian are cooking the specific dish from the area “Pasta Amatriciana” it will be on the specials board tonight at @jamiesitalianuk for a month £2 pound from each dish will go straight to the international red cross and I think we can easily make thousands and thousands of pounds to help…. Many restaurants are getting involved and this could really make a difference, money will go to supporting to Fire Fighters in the digging set up of tent camps for homeless and provision of food and clothing and medical assistance to people injured, old, kids, pregnant. Sadly this activity will run for months to come as it will take time to relocate people in new accomodations. But we can support for the same time – every bit of help will count big love to all and big love from me and my teams to our Friends in Italy we love you x X X X X 🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹 #eatforitaly @elbi #terremotocentroitalia #every1counts

A photo posted by Jamie Oliver (@jamieoliver) on Aug 25, 2016 at 7:37am PDT

Mayor of Assisi, Stefania Proletti and other council members are in coordination to distribute aid to the affected towns. Italy’s Prime Minister told the Guardian that the country has shown it’s true face in times of trouble, adding, “No family, no city, no hamlet will be left alone.”

It is extremely unfortunate that in preparation of such joyous events, a tragedy would strike suddenly and leave the Italian people mourning. However, it is inspiring and heart-warming to see that in light of such devastation, one thing that unites us all is a food.