On 3–4 December 2025, FEBA President Bernard Valluis and FEBA CEO Esteban Arriaga visited Fondazione Banco Alimentare (FBA) in Milan. A two-day exchange focused on strengthening collaboration, sharing operational best practices, and discussing future strategic development. The visit brought together senior representatives of the Italian Food Bank Network, including the President Marco Piuri, the General Director Donato Didonè, the Social Innovation Specialist Greta Caglioti, the Accompanying Measures Manager Monica Tola, Projects Area Manager Vincenzo Palumbo and Siticibo Manager Simone Barreca.
The main purpose of the visit was to deepen the dialogue between FEBA and FBA on key organisational priorities: the structure of the Italian Food Banks Network, opportunities and challenges in food and fundraising activities, and the evolution of accompanying measures within the wider European framework. The meetings also served as an opportunity to align FEBA’s development strategy for the coming years and to exchange views on emerging needs and innovations in the sector.
During the discussions, Esteban and Bernard explored FBA’s operational model, reviewed open points related to food and fundraising, and analysed best practices on accompanying measures. A dedicated session focused on FEBA’s long-term strategic direction, allowing for an open and constructive exchange with the FBA leadership.
The second day included field visits to observe the Siticibo urban food recovery programme in action, with stops at an Edison company canteen and an Esselunga supermarket. The group visited the Banco Alimentare della Lombardia (ABAL) headquarters, guided by Food Bank volunteer Antonia Figini, to study the facility’s large-scale logistics. These visits provided practical insight into frontline activities and innovative models that support food redistribution across the country.
From right to left: Bernard Valluis (President of FEBA), Marco Piuri (President of Banco Alimentare), Esteban Arriaga (CEO of FEBA), and Food Bank volunteer Antonia Figini, accompanied by two fellow volunteers from the Milan Food Bank.
