A small bakery in northern Italy has tried to help Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion.
Matteo Cunsolo, a baker, is selling “peace bread” made in the blue and yellow colors of Ukraine’s flag. Proceeds will go to a charity fund that helps refugees who have crossed into Italy or are still in Ukraine.
Cunsolo, along with local bakers, has also made 600 kilograms (1.325 lb) of cookies to distribute to young refugees. Cunsolo plans to take the sweets along with a truck containing locally donated diapers and food to the Ukrainian-Polish border next Wednesday.
He said that he had run away from bombs and perhaps traveled through forests at night in the cold. “A cookie is like a cuddle that can bring a smile to a child’s face,” he said as he stood in front of the industrial-sized oven in La Panetteria, Parabiago, close to Milan.
A small bakery in northern Italy has tried to do its bit to help Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion.
Matteo Cunsolo, a baker, is selling “peace bread” made in the blue and yellow colors of Ukraine’s flag. Proceeds will go to a charity fund that helps refugees who have crossed into Italy or are still in Ukraine.
Cunsolo, along with local bakers, has also made 600 kilograms (1.325 lb) of cookies to distribute to young refugees. Cunsolo plans to take the sweets along with a truck containing locally donated diapers and food to the Ukrainian-Polish border next Wednesday.
He said that he had run away from bombs and perhaps traveled through forests at night in the cold. “A cookie is like a cuddle that can bring a smile to a child’s face,” he said as he stood in front of the industrial-sized oven in La Panetteria, Parabiago, close to Milan.
“When I heard the term bread, I thought – “OK I’m a baker. What can I do?”
To make bread, he uses natural food coloring: saffron to turn the dough yellow and an infusion of leaves from the blue butterfly pea (Clitoria ternate) to give it the blue. To decorate each loaf, he applies a butter-based spray to it and uses a “PEACE” stencil.
Maria Pascolin, a customer, said that “it’s an important initiative.” She was shopping at the bakery. It’s only a small part of the overall effort, but it would be great if everyone contributed.
Cunsolo makes about 20 kg (44 pounds) of peace bread per day and has raised more than 2,000 euros ($2,214) to support the local Lion’s Club charity drive.
He stated, “I believe in helping others in any way possible.”