Alacuas, 7 November 2024. In response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the DANA storm in Valencia, ARPA, in collaboration with Cocineros en Accion and Zaragoza City Council, has launched the initiative ‘You are not alone’. This solidarity project aims to provide hot and nutritious food to the thousands of people affected by the floods.
Thanks to ARPA's experience in the rapid deployment of campaign infrastructures, a central kitchen has been installed in Alacuás equipped with three ARPA 2000 industrial kitchens. With the collaboration of volunteers and food donations from the Food Banks of Aragon and Valencia, more than 4,000 meals a day are being prepared, adapted to the needs of different population groups.
A comprehensive and supportive response
The ‘You are not alone’ initiative goes beyond providing food. It seeks to offer a moment of encounter, encouragement and hope to those affected. The menus prepared by Chefs in Action are varied and nutritious, including options for people with food intolerances, children and the elderly.
The implementation of this project has been possible thanks to the collaboration of various companies and organisations, such as Atlas Copco, Fundación Sesé, Levitec, AESA, AMBAR and Chocolates Lacasa, who have donated equipment, food and logistical resources. In addition, Zaragoza City Council has provided permits and logistical support to ensure the proper functioning of the feeding centre.
A message of hope
‘You are not alone’ is a message of solidarity and support for all those affected by the DANA.
How the operation is organised
10 professional chefs, two of whom have extensive experience in using this type of kitchen, and a large number of volunteers from the so-called ‘glass children’ who are showing enthusiasm and a great deal of solidarity. They are working tirelessly to get that food to the affected civilian population, as well as to the volunteers.
They are organised through the social organisations in the areas and the social networks, a call centre has been set up where volunteers, using a management programme created by computer science volunteers, note down the houses and the meals that need to be delivered. Using their own vehicles and with access permits, they travel to the affected areas to make these deliveries. Volunteers also come forward, most of them farmers from the area, as we are in the heart of the southern vegetable gardens of Valencia, and they ask for a hot meal so they can continue with their aid work. There are students from different parts of Spain who come forward and start to help without even asking.
Today, the Central Solidarity Kitchen has already provided 4,000 breakfasts and another 4,000 meals are being prepared.
