A Contradiction at the Heart of the Matter
Just one year ago, the Canton of Geneva proudly announced the enshrinement of the right to food in its Constitution. This landmark decision, celebrated as a victory for social justice and human dignity, committed the government to ensuring access to nutritious food for all its citizens. Yet, the year 2024 has revealed a stark discrepancy between this lofty ideal and the reality on the ground. Funding cuts and questionable political choices have cast a long shadow over the promise of food security for Geneva's most vulnerable residents, raising serious questions about the government's commitment to upholding its constitutional obligations.
Refettorio Geneva: A Beacon of Hope Under Threat
At the heart of this controversy lies Refettorio Geneva, a pioneering social project that has become a lifeline for those struggling with food insecurity. More than just a soup kitchen, Refettorio provides a dignified dining experience, offering a choice of wholesome, chef-prepared meals made with fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. Its commitment to quality, sustainability, and social inclusion has earned it recognition, including the prestigious Frouchette Verte Ama Terra certification.
However, despite its proven impact and cost-effectiveness, Refettorio Geneva has been dealt a devastating blow. Public funding for the project has been slashed by a staggering 70%, leaving it with a meager CHF 27,000 to feed 12,500 people in 2024. This translates to a paltry CHF 2 per meal, a sum that barely covers the cost of basic ingredients, let alone the overheads of running a professional kitchen and providing a welcoming environment for its guests.
A Tale of Two Meals: Efficiency vs. Waste
The stark contrast between Refettorio's approach and that of the public administration lays bare the deep-seated inefficiencies plaguing the system. While Refettorio strives to maximize its impact with limited resources, the government seems content to squander public funds on pre-packaged meals of questionable quality and origin. At CHF 8 per serving, these meals not only represent a financial drain but also contribute to environmental damage through the use of disposable plastic containers.
This begs the question: why is the government choosing to pay more for less, opting for convenience and mediocrity over quality and sustainability? The answer, it seems, lies in a combination of bureaucratic inertia, misplaced priorities, and a lack of political will to embrace innovative solutions.
The Erosion of a Fundamental Right
The drastic funding cuts to Refettorio Geneva raise serious concerns about the government's commitment to upholding the right to food enshrined in its Constitution. By denying essential resources to organizations fighting hunger and food insecurity, the government is effectively denying this fundamental right to its most vulnerable citizens. This not only constitutes a moral failure but also undermines the integrity of the political system and erodes public trust in its institutions.
Democracy vs. Bureaucracy: A Battle for the Soul of Geneva
The case of Refettorio Geneva highlights a worrying disconnect between the will of the people and the actions of their elected officials. While the citizens of Geneva voted overwhelmingly to enshrine the right to food in their Constitution, the bureaucratic apparatus seems determined to obstruct its implementation. This raises fundamental questions about the functioning of democracy and the balance of power between citizens and the state.
A Glimmer of Hope Amidst the Shadows
Despite the challenges, there is a glimmer of hope for Refettorio Geneva. Thanks to the efforts of some courageous elected officials, the project has secured a nominal grant from the City Council, guaranteeing it a permanent place in the city budget. However, this victory is tempered by concerns about the future direction of the project. The transfer of oversight to the Department of Territory and the suggestion that Refettorio shift its focus from fighting hunger to managing food waste raise fears that its core mission may be diluted or even abandoned.
A Call for Action: Reclaiming the Promise of Food for All
The year 2025 will be a pivotal one for Refettorio Geneva and for the right to food in Geneva. The government must decide whether it will honor its constitutional obligations and prioritize the needs of its most vulnerable citizens. It is time for political leaders to demonstrate true leadership by translating words into action, investing in sustainable solutions, and ensuring that the promise of food security becomes a reality for all. The future of Geneva's social fabric depends on it.
Grotesque Indifference
Allow me to paint a picture of how things work when dealing with public administration in Geneva. Earlier this year, we requested a meeting with the Department of Social Cohesion and Solidarity of the Canton to discuss renewing the subvention for 2024. What followed was a masterclass in bureaucratic absurdity.
By sheer coincidence, we bumped into the department’s director in the lobby and ended up sharing an elevator ride. With casual enthusiasm, he shared that he had just discovered a vegetable at the Migros buffet during lunch: the ñame. “Have you ever tried it? It’s fantastic! I really like this exotic stuff!” he exclaimed. As a chef, you can imagine my face. The lobby might as well have turned into a scene from a satire.
We finally got to the meeting, and after some pleasantries, the director casually informed us that they likely wouldn’t renew the subvention for 2024. Then, with a level of nonchalance that bordered on parody, he asked:
“So, how’s business? What about your idea of having people come for lunch to support free dinners for the poor?”
I couldn’t resist:
“Well, it’s going like this: how many times have you had lunch at the Refettorio this year?”
Caught off guard, he stumbled, “Well, you know, it’s complicated! We don’t have time, and money is tight.”
This, from a man whose office is a mere 50 meters from the Refettorio, who, along with his staff, has not once visited for lunch in the past three years.
The exchange summed up the grotesque indifference that characterizes this city’s approach to addressing the very issues it claims to prioritize. While they wax poetic about exotic vegetables and administrative hurdles, thousands struggle with food insecurity just steps away.