ALBOREA

Alborea is a type B social cooperative founded in 2016, headquartered in Rodengo Saiano (BS) and operating in Brescia and the surrounding area, particularly in the municipalities of Palazzolo sull’Oglio and Ospitaletto. Born as a spin-off of the Genesis cooperative, it has progressively established itself as a dynamic and innovative presence in the social catering sector, with a model that combines production, culture and inclusion.
From its inception, Alborea has specialised in creating employment opportunities for people in vulnerable situations, initially focusing on the inclusion of people serving sentences under Article 21 of the Italian Penal Code. Over time it has broadened its scope to include women leaving situations of violence, vulnerable young adults and people experiencing socioeconomic hardship. The cooperative operates from regenerated public spaces, corporate canteens and social kitchens, and has built a strong network of relationships with public bodies, educational institutions, foundations and third-sector organisations.
Alborea’s model is grounded in the pursuit of excellence in professional catering from a perspective deeply oriented towards social impact, supporting those it employs through a structured system of mentoring and ongoing training. Its three main activities, Cascina Gallo, the Copan corporate canteen and Cascina Cattafame, embody this philosophy, combining quality cuisine, urban regeneration and employment inclusion.
The support from Restart Italia is directed at launching the project «I Giardini di Dafne», developed within the framework of a regional grant for women’s empowerment and aimed at creating pathways of social and employment inclusion for women who are victims of violence. The project has found a home in “La Casa del Custode”, a historic building within the Parco delle Tre Ville, assigned by the Municipality of Palazzolo. It is built around three pillars: quality catering using local produce, a coworking space to foster connection and collaboration, and a strong social impact through the employment inclusion of women in vulnerable situations and the promotion of local culture.