The suspended coffee has a long history in Naples: it is the tradition of purchasing in advance a cup of coffee for someone who may be unable to pay for it. The coronavirus crisis has originated a new initiative of suspended grocery shopping called 'panaro solidale' in Naples.
Born to ease the widespread difficulties of people who have lost their jobs, and may have trouble making ends meet, it has attracted the attention of people worldwide, including Madonna's.
Now a group of Milan women have launched a similar initiative in their city, called 'ceste sospese' (suspended baskets). People can leave food and personal hygiene products in the baskets left hanging from balconies, so that people who may have lost their income can get them.
"if you can, give. If you can't, take" reads a message on the baskets. Similar initiatives are now being adopted elsewhere in Italy, in an effort to ease the hardship experienced by many families, either because of their health or because of the loss of their income during the prolongued lockdown.
Baskets hanging on the balconies with basic necessities to help the needy during the coronavirus emergency in Milan, Italy on April 4, 2020. Source: AAP Image/Claudio Furlan/LaPresse /Sipa USA
Ilaria Bartolozzi, one of the founders of Milan's 'ceste sospese', has spoken to SBS Italian about the enthusiastic response the baskets have been getting.
