A conversation with Tommaso Casalgrandi, exploring how Giblor’s is helping to promote dignity and meaningful work within Food for Soul’s Refettorio projects.
Giblor’s is a company from Emilia that has been creating workwear for the restaurant industry for generations. Now part of the Rossini Group, it has built on its experience and tradition, broadening its horizons without losing sight of the values that made it a leader in the sector. Since the very beginning of Food for Soul’s journey, Giblor’s has supported the Refettorios by providing aprons and chef jackets designed for those who cook, serve, and welcome guests every day. In this interview, Tommaso Casalgrandi – Sales Manager for Italy and international markets – shares his thoughts on the deep meaning of the collaboration between Giblor’s and Food for Soul, the importance of giving form and function to the act of caring, and what it means today for a company to commit to projects that drive social impact.
Giblor’s has been partnering with Food for Soul for several years now. What does it mean to be part of this journey?
Working alongside Food for Soul means contributing to a project that transforms food waste into a tool for social inclusion. Over the years, we’ve supported the Italian Refettorio projects not only by supplying uniforms, but also by encouraging our team members to get involved personally, volunteering their time and skills. It’s been a journey that has enriched us deeply, both professionally and personally.
At the Refettorio projects, work is also an act of care and respect. What does it mean for you to dress the people who bring these spaces to life?
In a place where every action reflects care for others, a uniform becomes more than just practical clothing. Dressing the people who cook, serve, and welcome guests is a way of reinforcing the atmosphere of respect, order, and beauty that defines these environments. It’s a quiet but powerful way of saying that every detail matters — even what you wear can help create a space built on dignity and inclusion.
Your garments are the result of ongoing research in innovation, functionality, and design. What does quality mean to you today — especially in complex social contexts?
For us, quality starts with listening to the people who wear our clothes and understanding their needs. Our design process begins with functionality and comfort — essentials for anyone working in demanding environments. But beyond that, we aim to add meaning to even the most basic garments, like an apron, by refining the design and enhancing every detail. That’s one of the values we share with Food for Soul: the belief that even small things can carry great significance.
After years of working with Food for Soul, what has this experience given you, both as a company and as individuals?
It’s taught us — and continues to teach us — the value of small gestures. A warm meal, a kind word, or simply being present can have a real impact on someone’s life. For many of our team members, volunteering at the Refettorio projects has given their work a deeper sense of purpose. We try to carry that same spirit into our daily work — even when challenges arise.
If you had to choose one word or image to describe the connection between Giblor’s and Food for Soul, what would it be?
We’d choose a bowl of tortellini in broth — a humble yet heartfelt symbol of care and hospitality. Like this traditional dish from our region, our partnership with Food for Soul is made of simple ingredients: shared values, concrete actions, and a genuine commitment to people. Every bowl tells a story — of warmth, of dignity, of responsibility. And that’s what we hope to bring, through our work, to every Refettorio.
