La Botiga del Prat, nominee at the European Social Services Awards

These awards celebrate the innovation and excellence in social services.

La Botiga del Prat has been nominated by the European Social Network for the European Social Services Awards (ESSA) 2025 – which celebrates innovation and excellence in social services- as a project example of Public-Private Partnership in this area.

 

La Botiga is highlighted as a case of transformative partnership between public authorities and private sector organisations that has led to tangible improvements in social services. The category in which La Botiga has been selected specially acknowledges partnerships that prioritise social value, ethical governance, and long-term community benefits while maintaining public accountability and high-quality service standards. Selected projects propose innovation in the service model, have a measurable impact in social inclusion and in the support of people in vulnerable situations, are scalable and transferable and provide a model that can inspire replication across Europe.

Open the survey, go to category 7. Public-Private Partnership in Social Services Award and vote for La Botiga: More than just Food.

Polls will be open until October 24th and the ESSA 2025 Ceremony will take place in Madrid, Spain on 13-14 November.

La Botiga

La Botiga is a social service born from public-private cooperation between El Prat de Llobregat City Council and ABD Group in partnership with Fundació Espigoladors The project brings together a network of over 20 public, private, and third-sector partners collaborating in food supply, job inclusion, training, and circular economy initiatives. La Botiga brings about an innovative food distribution system that moves beyond charitable aid. It empowers vulnerable communities with a self-service, free-choice system, allowing them to select healthy, varied, and sustainable foods using a social coin.

The project also introduces inclusive employment pathways and fosters community participation. La Botiga is deeply rooted in its local ecosystem, responding to challenges of rising food insecurity and health inequalities driven by social vulnerability. From its opening, more than 5,000 people have been supported by La Botiga.