Giovanni Rana Provides 200,000 Free Meals for Jubilee 2000 Pilgrims

Two hundred thousand pilgrims who traveled to Rome for the Jubilee 2000 sampled Rana tortellini. Many meals were served free of charge at the four distribution points. One, located in Prenestino, continues to provide free meals to those in need, offering up to 300 meals a day.

Giovanni Rana explains: “My son Gianluca and I thought: ‘Let’s do some good and also get a bit of publicity.’ Never forget that this is a company.”

Organization of the distribution

The meal distribution was entrusted to the Company of Saint Peter; the Vatican organization issued vouchers entitling recipients to collect a plate of tortellini or pasta, a sandwich, and a half-liter bottle of mineral water at the kiosks.

The meals were distributed throughout the year, but when it was time to close, the same Company of Saint Peter requested to continue the service to help the needy in Rome.

Extension of the service and acknowledgments

“We were asked for a three-month extension and we accepted,” says Giovanni Rana. “It will be a cost, but it’s also a satisfaction.”

All the companies that collaborated in the “Pope’s charity” will be received by Giovanni Paolo II.

“If he asks me for something, I will tell him that the 200,000 meals are a gift from Giovanni Rana, his employees, and San Giovanni Lupatoto for the Jubilee,” announces Mr. Giovanni.

Visit to Argentina and meetings with the Pope

Rana, currently in Argentina to visit his agricultural company that produces basil, pumpkins, and other vegetables for tortellini fillings, announces that he will go to see the Pope with his son Gianluca and grandson Giovannino.

He will be received by monsignor Sepe, the great director of the Jubilee, who will soon become a cardinal.