Solidarity shops in Italy: more than just food distribution
This report stems from the research project “Enterprising communities in search of practices for social transformation”, promoted by EURICSE, the first phase of which involved the creation of a continuously updated national map of the various initiatives by enterprising communities in Italy, including solidarity shops. This term refers to those practices of social transformation that arise from grassroots organisational processes, initiated by groups of citizens, associations and organisations operating in local areas to experiment with innovative solutions for socio-economic development, capable of influencing the future of local communities. The second phase of the research used questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and case studies to examine governance models, the involvement of local communities and the contextual factors that facilitate the emergence and consolidation of these initiatives. The qualitative analysis also explored the role of local networks and stakeholders in promoting social change and cohesion. Within this framework, the Report focuses on solidarity shops, defining their characteristics, estimating their prevalence up to 2025 and analysing their main legal forms: small shops for people in need that provide access to essential goods via a points card and free. Alongside the distribution of essential goods, many solidarity shops run initiatives focused on listening, training, volunteering and relational support. The Report focuses on these experiences, which go beyond meeting material needs and function as ‘social infrastructure’ capable of fostering relationships, strengthening social capital and promoting pathways to empowerment. From this perspective, the Emporio becomes a community space where people and resources come together and mutually empower one another. The Report is divided into three parts: a theoretical framework, an overview of the phenomenon at national level, and an empirical analysis of selected case studies, with the aim of highlighting the role of solidarity shops as enterprising communities in processes of social transformation.
