SEEDS – Seizing Equality to Escape the Disruption of Society

ActionAid coordinates voluntary associations and communities of foreign citizens active in the popular districts of Neaples and Corsico (Milan) to deliver food and basic assistance to Italian and foreign families and people. In addition, the organizations map new fragile individuals and families and conduct a qualitative survey to enhance the knowledge of the economic and social conditions of aid recipients and take action to improve policies to combat poverty. 

In working-class neighbourhoods and in the peripheral areas of metropolitan cities, local associations and communities of foreign citizens have acknowledged an increased request for food and essential goods since the first months of the Covid19 pandemic. Many people have lost their primary source of income due to social distancing and the closure of production activities. People with low or zero income or with occasional, irregular, atypical jobs have not been adequately reached by measures to combat poverty. For foreign people, this can also mean losing the right to stay in Italy. The specific needs of the most vulnerable groups remain unknown to public opinion and policy makers, leading to inadequate measures to stem growing poverty.