First the Gas model, then the evolution in the sale of food products and more: lo “People’s shop” it was opened in 2013 by the “Olga Marchisio” Mutual Aid Workers’ Society in via Brofferio, next to the Casa del Popolo. After Stefano Bego and Roberto Romito, since 2016 the manager is Sergio Zappa which confirms the inspiration that came from collective purchasing groups of agricultural products: “We started following that imprint – he explains – a respectable purchase method, but confined to a small circle of people who share an idea on how to produce and consume primary goods, while we think it is necessary to expand the users of this consumption model ». From these premises the idea of a shop run by volunteers, with the sole expense of logistics (rent, utilities), opening the doors of the short supply chain and km0 to other people as well “Who for different reasons would be unlikely to join a buying group”. To shop at the shop you need a card: «It costs 5 euros for several years. The members are about 250 ». But the shop is much more than that. «As Soms we have started activities and initiatives on various fields – explains Zappa – in the meantime on the goods for sale the markup is minimal, from 15 to 25% “. Policy that applies to all products from fruit and vegetables to packaged products. «We favor organic and integrated agriculture – he continues – our references are local producers, except for some specialties from further away, but always with limited distances. The collaboration with Libera and with the companies that work the lands confiscated from the mafias is also fundamental ». Equally important are educational courses and projects, such as courses on the seasonality of products. A summary of the conferences on food quality is contained in the notebook “Notes on the short supply chain and on the seasonality of agricultural production” created bywith the Crat Foundation contribution. The texts of Giovanni Pensabene, explain the short supply chain, the direct relationship between production and consumption, also addressing other issues that revolve around food and its link with the territory “to build accessible and conscious consumption paths”. In the same vein, the brochure «Let’s throw it in the pot. Recipes against food waste “as part of the Territory and Health project:” Framing phenomenon and consequences on the environment – says Zappa – 30 recipes to recover leftovers “. Therefore, activities on social, ethical, educational but also health issues “against the abandonment of care”: “Thanks to Dr. Maurizio Quadri, we have guaranteed about thirty eye examinationssupporting exclusively the costs of managing the study – explains Zappa – cases have also emerged that required further health care and treatment “.
Patients identify them with associations such as Piam and Noix De Kola, Banco Alimentare and Coordinamento Asti Est ».