"Papa Francisc" canteen in Chișinău provides hot meals to nearly 200 elderly people
In the heart of Chisinau, the "Papa Francisc" social canteen provides a hot meal every day to vulnerable individuals, symbolizing solidarity and compassion. Named after the former Supreme Pontiff, who was known for his closeness to those in need, the canteen operates with dedication and takes pride in its name. The representatives are optimistic and hope to continue receiving support from the Vatican.
At the "Papa Francisc" Social Canteen, work starts early in the morning. The two cooks have a well-established menu, based on the products they receive from donations.
Do you know why we make it thicker? They go home, add a little more water, boil it and make more. We have wheat, chickpeas and butter and a tomato each. This is today's food.
Instead of 300 grams, we give them 500 because what is more important: a soup. They eat it for lunch and there is a little left over for dinner and tomorrow. And we give them two loaves of bread on top of that.
180 elderly people benefit from hot meals.
"*I eat the porridge I get three or four times, I do not have to cook soup, and I save money on gas, water, and electricity at home. I say, "I'm so happy that there are centers like this where they feed us, listen to us, and heal our souls," says Ana Chelciuc.
"It's hard for me. I only have one child and he is abroad and he has three children and he can't help me and I come here for food. This food is very necessary, it is warm, sometimes we don't even have the strength to stand up and prepare it", says Vera Fricăţel, another beneficiary.
The canteen has been operating for 22 years, and for 14 years it has been named "Pope Francis", after several representatives of the Vatican visited and helped the organization. The canteen coordinators hope to continue to benefit from the support.
"We had material help from them, money in an envelope for each elderly person. Some elderly people called me and said: Have you heard? What do we do next? How are we doing?", says Maria Botnariuc, the coordinator of the social canteen.
Currently, donations and material aid are provided by the governments of the Netherlands and Italy. Also, to provide hot lunches, the canteen cooperates with the Food Bank.
