Food Rescue

The Food Rescue program in Rome recovers excess food from retailers and redistributes it to local charities supporting vulnerable families. Volunteers help reduce food waste while strengthening community solidarity and sustainability.

In response to the growing need to reduce food waste and support families facing economic hardship in Rome, our Food Rescue volunteer program steps in where surplus meets scarcity. Every day, large retailers and food distributors generate high-quality excess products that would otherwise go to waste. Our volunteers help recover, sort, and redistribute this food, ensuring it reaches local charities and community organizations that support individuals and families in vulnerable situations.

Through close collaboration with trusted local partners, volunteers actively contribute to transforming surplus into solidarity. By collecting unsold yet perfectly edible food and facilitating its redistribution, they help reduce environmental impact while strengthening community resilience. Food Rescue is more than a logistics effort — it is a tangible act of social responsibility that connects businesses, nonprofits, and citizens in a shared commitment to dignity, sustainability, and collective well-being across Rome.

 

What to Expect:

Hands-on: label and sort food donation

Community impact: Pack meals for families of the communities registered distributed with periodical routine

Cultural exchange & collaboration: Work alongside local volunteers in a warehouse to organise and distribute for the families in need.



Daily Tasks:

  • Sort donations: Check, organize, and separate food items to ensure quality and proper distribution.

  • Grocery prep: Prepare and pack food supplies so they are ready to be delivered to local charities.

 

Why Join?

  • Make an Impact: Considering the huge amount of food this is an endless chain we do not want to break
  • Gain Experience: Learn more about being part of a team, food conservation, big distribution system
  • Cultural Immersion: Experience life in Rome while making a positive difference.



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Included

  • Pick up at one of the two international airports & transfer to the accommodation on Sundays (from 7am to 10pm only). There is an extra cost for pickups before or after this schedule.
  • Accommodation at a centre-located hostel in female or mixed dormitories. Bed sheets and towels are provided. Shared use of common spaces, rooftop, fully equipped kitchen and free WIFI
  • Three meals a day everyday: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (Local style. Vegetarian, gluten-free and meals for lactose-intolerant are also available upon request)
  • Orientation event on arrival (including introduction to Italy and its culture, volunteer experience, overview of programs, practical information, safety guidelines)
  • Guided city tour
  • The best tips to discover the city!
  • Allocation and coordination of a work placement in an impactful non-profit project
  • Introduction on the first day of volunteering
  • Ongoing support throughout the stay
  • 24h/7 emergency support personally or by phone
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FAQ

Can I cook in the accommodation?

Yes, the hostel has an eqquiped kitchen where you can cook yourself with the only condition of cleaning everything used afterwards.

Do I have to pay money for volunteering?

You are not paying for your volunteer work itself but for your stay with us overall. The costs for your program further include various elements that are part of your stay such as your accommodation, food, transportation from the airport, guided city tour, local coordination and 24/7 support for emergencies. Check the "Included" section of the program you want to choose for complete information!

Do I need to speak the local language?

No, you don't need to have any previous skills in the local language! All of our programs are run entirely in English and our guides and staff are all comfortable speaking English as well. However, we always encourage our participants to get acquainted with some of the most basic terms and expressions, as even just a simple "Good morning!" in the local language can be a great icebreaker to start interacting with the locals! There are also language lessons available for volunteers that can be booked before or upon arrival.

How and when do I get my volunteer certificate?

You can request your volunteer certificate to ImpacTrip or the local coordinator at the end of your program. 

How and when do I need to pay for my volunteer program with ImpacTrip?

The payment of your volunteer program is done by bank transfer. We will kindly ask you to pay 50% of your bill at the time of your booking to secure your spot! The other 50% will be due at least one month before your arrival!

How many people will be I be volunteering with?

Depending on your program and project, you might be joined by other ImpacTrip volunteers, but usually, you’ll either be on your own or with local volunteers. It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with locals and immerse yourself in the community and its lifestyle!

How much money should I bring to my program?

Once you've booked your program, be sure to reach out to your local coordinator to get the scoop on the cost of living in your destination—it can differ quite a bit! And don't forget to budget for public transportation, emergencies, airport drop-off, snacks, fun activities, and a bit of local shopping. Happy planning!

In case of need, how do I get health care?

All volunteers must arrive with private health insurance that covers the costs of any health service that may arise in their program destination.
With this insurance you can be treated at any private or public medical center. The medical expenses will be paid by you and when you return to your country you will have to present all the invoices to your insurance so don't forget to budget medical emergencies.
In the case of European volunteers, to facilitate the process, it is advisable to come with your European Health Card.