FoodBall – It’s time to recover: sport and solidarity unite against food waste

Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore, Caritas Reggiana, U.S. Sassuolo Calcio and A.C. Reggiana 1919 are joining forces for a solidarity initiative combining sport and social responsibility: FoodBall – It's time to recover.

The project will collect all leftover food from the hospitality areas of the Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore during home matches of U.S. Sassuolo Calcio and A.C. Reggiana 1919 during the 2025-2026 season. The recovered food will be donated to Caritas Reggiana, which, through its volunteers, will collect, store and distribute it to six soup kitchens operating in the territory of Reggio Emilia. The initiative represents a tangible step towards reducing food waste and supporting people in need in the Reggio Emilia area.

A social responsibility project

The FoodBall – It’s time to recover project will make it possible to recover the equivalent of approximately 1,700 meals during the sports season, significantly reducing waste and strengthening the local food support network. The Caritas Reggiana soup kitchens represent an innovative model of food assistance developed during the health emergency and since then established as a tool for social support and inclusion. Every day, the canteens provide hot meals in welcoming environments to people living in difficult conditions, with special attention to the homeless. In 2024, they served over 100,000 meals, with an average of around 150 guests per day.

"I wish to thank the Mapei Stadium and Simona Giorgetta for this wonderful initiative promoting environmental sustainability and solidarity with people," said Annalisa Rabitti, Councillor for Social Care for the Municipality of Reggio Emilia. "In our city, the local administration and Caritas have long worked side by side to fight food waste and support families and people in need: this project adds an important piece to the system. Once again, the world of sport has shown great sensitivity and conveys an important message." 

"We are delighted to be part of the FoodBall project, which unites solidarity, sustainability and community, by transforming food waste into a valuable resource for those facing difficulties," said Andrea Gollini, Director of Caritas in Reggio Emilia-Guastalla. "At a time when food insecurity is affecting a growing number of people, initiatives like this offer a real sign of care for those in need. Fighting poverty is a collective responsibility, and at Caritas, we embrace initiatives that bring together different actors and foster solidarity and shared responsibility within the community."

A bridge between sport and solidarity

"The initiative is a tangible example of how sport can become a driving force for social projects," said Simona Giorgetta, CEO of the Mapei Stadium. "The participation of U.S. Sassuolo Calcio and A.C. Reggiana 1919, which share the same sports facility, demonstrates how collaboration between clubs can lead to important victories under the banner of solidarity."

FoodBall – It’s time to Recover once again confirms that the Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore is a place of passion, participation and social responsibility, capable of making a real contribution to the Reggio Emilia community.