Insieme a Voi Together with You

Federazione Italiana Cuochi’s Solidarity and Emergencies Department (DSEFIC) was founded in 2016. Since then, they have led over 650 local initiatives, working in collaboration with the Italian civil protection system to help communities affected by natural, social, and health crises. We had the chance to connect with Maria Campagna, President of Florence’s FIC chapter Associazione Cuochi Fiorentini, DSEFIC activist, and World Chefs Without Borders Committee member.

Maria, how did you get started in humanitarian work?

I have been working in the social sector for years. I have always tried to be useful to those who unfortunately life has reserved pain and difficulties, making my professionalism available. I started raising money by organizing charity dinners in my restaurant, together with my brothers who have always supported my cause. I was taught charity and compassion for other people’s unhappiness, so I can’t ignore it in the face of challenges. Small gestures can bring a smile to the faces of those who suffer. This is my life, being helpful!

You and the entire DSEFIC community have done remarkable work. What have been some of your most memorable moments?

The DSEFIC has given me the opportunity to grow, providing me with the foundation and training that a volunteer cook must have in order for their work to be efficient and constructive. Thanks to this journey, I have the opportunity to be of help.

Among my most important commitments, I remember with emotion the weeks spent in the Social Canteen of Amatrice, a city hit by a 2016 earthquake in central Italy. In that tent, the earthquake victims without a home and saddened by the loss of loved ones were welcomed and fed with love. The desperation in the eyes of the children and the sadness of those people are still engraved in my heart and in my memories. My greatest satisfaction is to have brought, even for an instant, that human warmth that those people needed at that moment.

Some time later I was chosen to participate in a humanitarian mission in Ethiopia. I left for Addis Ababa on two missions with the Onlus Aidos of Rome and the Onlus Wise of Addis Ababa. I taught Italian bread-making and pastrybaking techniques to Ethiopian women who were looking for concrete help to make a change in their lives. I taught them how to use their flour, how to make natural yeast, and a thousand other secrets. This land of humble people, they accepted my teaching as if it were a divine gift that only a few of them had. These moments are full of compassion and strong emotions, witnessing life and experience in these territories.

What has a life of service meant to you?

Giving is life. I’ve always wondered why some people don’t feel for those who suffer and live in poverty. Why does anyone who can not donate? I can’t change other people’s way of being, but as long as I can I will continue to do my best for others. Like many volunteers, our life is made up of sacrifices and we are not always understood. I haven’t done any more missions for some time, but I’m still doing my best to continue to help.

With DSEFIC, we have taken steps to help Ukraine by raising funds, clothing and food. We help associations, foundations, and shelters by raising money with dinners, initiatives, and recreational activities.

What do you have upcoming?

My latest social work is the drafting of a book on which I collaborated together with other chef colleagues, whose entitled Chef in Versi, which aims through its sale to raise funds to donate to humanitarian associations. It is a book of recipes and poems. Written in Italian, it is also translated into English to be sold abroad.

In February, the assembly of members of Florentine chefs appointed me President of the Association until 2026. I am very happy for this position and as always I will try to give my fellow chefs the professional training and help they need.

DSEFIC provides expert training in emergency relief and disaster response, with more than 600 members trained and ready to serve. Their mobile emergency kitchen, Cucina Italia, is outfitted with Electrolux Professional equipment and serves 800 meals an hour through the amazing support of volunteer chefs. In 2022 alone, DSEFIC volunteers held 135 solidarity activities to nourish people in need.