Pazin Distribution Center: Contract Signed for Istria's Food Bank
County Prefect Boris Miletić signed the purchase agreement for a building in Pazin in Pula, giving the €2.1 million project its foundation.
County Prefect Boris Miletić signed the purchase agreement for a building in Pazin in Pula, giving the €2.1 million project its foundation.
On Thursday, the Istria County took a significant step toward establishing its own food bank. In Pula, County Prefect Boris Miletić signed a contract with a member of the management board of Advent Milkom Vale for the purchase of a property in Pazin, moving the €2.1 million project into the implementation phase.
The investment is fully funded by the Istria County from its own budget, secured through a budget rebalance adopted by the County Assembly in April 2026. Purchasing an already-built facility, rather than constructing a new one, will significantly expedite the entire process.
"By buying the property, we avoid going through the entire process, from design and obtaining necessary permits to public procurement and construction itself. This way, we've made a big leap forward and significantly shortened the path to the moment when the Food Bank becomes operational. That is in the interest of all citizens of Istria," said Prefect Miletić.
The Food Bank will operate as a distribution center for collecting, storing, and distributing donated food, connecting producers, retail chains, local government units, and humanitarian organizations into a unified support system. Deputy Prefect Dr. Gordana Antić emphasized the project's dual benefit.
"We are aware that proper nutrition and access to quality food are important for people's health. At the same time, we witness large quantities of safe food ending up as waste. The Food Bank will enable that food to reach those who need it most, thereby strengthening social security, protecting public health, and fostering a more responsible attitude toward the resources we have," said Gordana Antić.
Prefect Miletić highlighted that establishing the food bank is a strategic project that will have a long-term positive impact on all citizens of Istria. "Today, we are creating the prerequisites for a system that will combine solidarity, responsible resource management, and care for the most vulnerable citizens. The Food Bank is a project that will bring tangible benefits to our citizens for years to come," he said.
From the company Advent, management board member Milka Vale expressed happiness that the facility will be given a new, useful purpose for society. Also present at the contract signing ceremony were Patricia Zagorc Licul, head of general affairs; Ezio Pinzan, head of agriculture; and Monica Derocchi, who currently serves as manager of the Foundation for Promoting Partnership and Civil Society Development.
