People in need during this state of emergency over coronavirus are finding they’re not always left alone. Solidarity initiatives that are spreading through Italy include the ‘Campagna Amica - Spesa sospesa a domicilio’, promoted by Coldiretti, Italy’s main farmers’ association. Consumers who buy groceries online through Campagna Amica, which only sells products made in Italy, can opt to donate a food package to families who are having difficulty paying for their own food shopping. 

It follows the tradition of the so-called ‘caffè sospeso’, which originated in Naples, a cup of coffee paid for in advance as an anonymous act of charity. That’s why it’s been called ‘spesa sospesa’ (Italian for suspended food shopping). Thus families in need can get fruit, vegetables, flour, cheeses, salami and other quality local products.