Coming to Rome, I knew exactly what I wanted to immerse myself with: Conversations with the locals and get their perspectives on tourism and sustainability. So, you can imagine my excitement when, on February 24th, I had the opportunity to volunteer at a Soup Kitchen during my time studying abroad. Although I’ve volunteered in a variety of places, I have never stepped into a soup kitchen before. Being part of something so delicate, humane, and authentic felt like an honor.
Several Temple Rome volunteers and I arrived at Mensa, Giovanni Paolo II. We noticed two other volunteer groups—One that seemed to be high school students, and another seemed to be a scout troop. Their uniforms, especially shorts and long socks, immediately caught my attention. After receiving instructions from the adults in each group, we were allowed to choose a task of our choosing. I was eager to understand detailed recycled systems and chose to work with the trash.
There were two main trash bins: One labeled Plastica (plastic) and another labeled Organico (Organic). I was surprised to see food waste mixed with carboard in the same bag, but I learned that this is part of Italy’s recyclable system which helps reduce the overall amount of waste produced.
Another Temple student and I worked alongside two Italian girls who volunteer here every Saturday. They taught us new vocabulary, and their warmth made us feel right at home. Watching them interact with the staff by teasing, gossiping, and laughing with one another, I felt as if I was watching old friends interact. It was heartwarming. Their confidence and comfort just show me how strong the relationships within this kitchen are.
As the plates of food came in, I noticed that they set aside untouched or good food scraps. When I asked why, they explained that the scraps were meant for the pets of the people who came in. I thought that was such an innovative way to reduce food waste. Feeding animals with leftovers cut down on methane emissions, greenhouse gas produced when food waste decomposes.
As the plates of food came in, I noticed they were not served in small portions. Instead, they were more generous than expected. The guests were very kind and surprisingly diverse, coming from backgrounds I hadn’t anticipated. Some wore designers and fur coats, which wasn’t what I expected to see at a Soup Kitchen. What really surprised me was the population of Hispanics in Italy. It felt comforting to speak Spanish with people and ask where they’re from. As this experience comes to an end, I start to think about migration in Italy and how welcoming people here can be.
My favorite part throughout this whole experience was getting the chance to genuinely practice my Italian. The two girls that I worked with were incredibly encouraging and understanding. I asked whether they felt comfortable when foreigners try to speak Italian or imitate their accent. They told me they love it because it shows respect for their culture.
After they left, the other Temple Student and I tried the few new Italian words we’ve learned to understand what guests and staff needed from us. For example, “Una tazza,” translates to “A cup.” Not long after, two scouts joined us. One of them shared that she was half Spanish and half Italian. A combination of countries I did not expect to encounter. She told me she preferred living in Spain over Italy, and it made me wondered whether grass always seems greener on the other side.
This experience was exactly what I needed as I am starting my semester abroad. To be able to connect with the locals and learn a little more about Italian culture made me feel grounded for the next adventures ahead. As travelers, it is significant that we try to be respectful and give back to the country that welcomes us.
If you’re thinking or already studying abroad, consider volunteering at a local organization. It’s a beautiful way to give back to the country you’ve come to fall in love with. Check out Temple Rome’s program page for more information!
