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Squisito is unique in Italy and abroad as it is entirely organized by 1800 young men and women of the world's largest drug rehabilitation center, San Patrignano, founded in 1978 by Vincenzo Muccioli. A true celebration of the palate, Squisito is a multifaceted venue where workshops, sensory experiences, tastings, and excellent products can converge. Roots of Peace was invited to Squisito to participate in the goodFOOD program, showcasing sustainable agricultural projects with a direct positive social impact on those affected by war and poverty. Roots of Peace took part in a round table discussion with colleagues who are "planting the seeds of change" - those who, through food production and marketing, provide new hope to those who are affected by war, poverty or are in some way socially marginalized. The Roots of Peace booth featured the bounty of wines, nuts and dried fruits harvested on former minefields where Roots of Peace has implemented its demine-rebuild programs in the war-torn countries of Croatia and Afghanistan. These same products were featured in culinary delights prepared in live food demonstrations by Michelin starred chefs for more than 20,000 guests attending the three day event. Squisito was created four years ago as an event dedicated to the culture of good taste, good food, and to those who never tire of trying new flavor combinations and sampling long forgotten culinary traditions. Michelin starred chefs, experts, journalists and gourmets meet each year to redefine contemporary cuisine, creating an itinerary of taste that goes beyond our nation's borders. And not just top chefs, but a series of round table discussions: encounters designed to create a dialogue and stimulate thought on the possibilities of professional training in the food, wine, and hospitality industries. This is especially relevant for young people, including those completing their program in the community.
Program Excerpt - Round Table Discussion: September 29, 2007, 10a.m. goodFOOD: Planting The Seeds Of Change – Against Drugs, War and Poverty Through time, food has grown to become more than merely a means to satiate hunger becoming a direct expression of humankind’s very culture, history and identity. With this panel discussion we will host a conversation between those who are “Planting the seeds of change” – those who, through food production and marketing, provide new hope to those who are affected by war, poverty or are in some way socially marginalized. Projects range from the alternative development programs instituted by the UNODC (United Nations’ Office on Drugs and Crime), to Rubicon Program’s job skills training which empowers people living in poverty and living with disabilities in the United States to improve their quality of life. Roots of Peace is an organization that works in war torn areas of the world, eliminating land mines and replanting vineyards and orchards, helping people overcome the horrors of war and find a new life. In Spain La Fageda trains and employs mentally challenged individuals in making top quality organic dairy products, giving them a renewed sense of purpose and dignity. The San Patrignano Community teaches job and life skills in over 50 different fields to former drug addicts, notably in the food, wine and hospitality industries. Finally, we invite a representative of our government to discuss what the state’s role can be in promoting these types of social enterprises. The following have been invited to participate in the round table discussion:
Moderator: Davide Paolini  Flavia Taggiasco, Andrea Muccioli, and Cristobal Colon at the Round Table |
