Gela food bank suspended due to municipal waste tax

The Procivis Civil Protection association has announced the suspension of its food bank services in Gela, effective October 1. The decision follows the receipt of a €5,000 waste tax (TARI) assessment related to the municipal premises used by the organization.

The association stated that funds previously allocated for the transportation of food supplies must now be redirected to cover the tax payment. The food bank, which has operated for two and a half years in collaboration with the municipality's social services, provided essential support to approximately 3,300 people in need, operating daily from 07:00 to 23:00.

Procivis noted that while most Italian municipalities exempt voluntary organizations serving the community from such taxes, Gela has not. The organization described the situation as “singular and disconcerting,” claiming they are currently the only third-sector entity in the city to receive such a notice, and has called for an immediate review by competent authorities.