The Bread for the Poor Charity

The Bread for the Poor Charity is a charitable institution promoted and administered by the Universal Association of Saint Anthony. It was founded in 1887 by Father Antonio Locatelli and provides daily bread distribution at its headquarters, at Via Cappelli 28, Padova.

What is the Bread for the Poor Charity today?

It is a source of help for the poor of the city, for those facing hardship, and a concrete expression of solidarity and support. Over time, in order to respond as closely as possible to people’s everyday needs, this charitable initiative has developed new partnerships, and bread has been joined by other essential services and basic necessities.
The bread people need today is not only the bread baked in an oven. For this very reason, following the path traced by its founder, the Universal Association of Saint Anthony seeks to draw ever closer to the needs of those in difficulty, so that it may continue to write pages of the Gospel in the name of Saint Anthony.

How much bread is distributed?

Around 60 kilos of fresh bread are given out each day, often alongside seasonal fruit and vegetables. More than 250 families benefit from this assistance, many of them large. The number of people receiving support is constantly increasing, as poverty and vulnerability have taken on new forms in recent years, affecting families, older people, separated parents, young people from other countries, and mothers with children.
Bread is also donated to Cucine Economiche Popolari, the Padua Soup Kitchen, to meet the daily needs of around 400 people.

How to access the Bread for the Poor Charity?

The service is available from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 to 11:00 am, at Via Cappelli 28, Padova.

First visit
Those using the service for the first time may come directly during opening hours. Bread will be provided even without a card. Staff will then provide all the information needed to register.

Registration
Registration is required to access the service and include the issuance of a personal card. To register, applicants must present a valid ID and an ISEE certificate. The amount of bread provided is calculated based on the number of people in the household.
Registration is valid for one year. To continue accessing the service, applicants must periodically renew their registration or confirm that they still meet the eligibility requirements.

For further information, please email Stefano Tasinato at stefano.tasinato@santodeimiracoli.org.

Who works with the Bread for the Poor Charity?

Each day, anyone who comes to the Bread for the Poor Charity can meet not only the volunteers of the Universal Association of Saint Anthony, but also the Franciscan Sisters of Blessed Elisabetta Vendramini, who were entrusted by the then Bishop of Padua, Mgr. Girolamo Bortignon, with overseeing the distribution of bread. Their quiet yet attentive presence, their closeness to those who suffer, as well as their guidance and prayers, are invaluable.