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.
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.
