Located at Francia 754, the initiative seeks to combat food insecurity in Rosario and the region, with priority given to children, also functioning as a space for professional training and research.
La Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR) launched its new Public Food Plant. Driven through the University's Solidarity Program, the high-impact social initiative became a reality thanks to a public-private partnership that included equipment and funding contributions from 14 companies and institutions, including Cargill.
This project has a dual purpose: firstly, to achieve an estimated production capacity of 320.000 meals per year to strengthen food assistance to the most vulnerable sectors of Rosario and the surrounding region; and secondly, to establish a training facility where students and graduates can complete internships and research in a real-world production environment. The facility will operate under standardized food safety and hygiene protocols and will be integrated into existing assistance networks.
A key contribution in the face of the social emergency
During the inauguration ceremony, the rector of the National University of Rosario (UNR), Franco Bartolacci, highlighted the institutional effort after six years of work: “It is immoral that in a country with Argentina's productive capacity there are people who don't have food on their table. We believe that the University, with its knowledge and commitment, must contribute to reversing this situation.” The meals produced will be distributed through a joint effort with the Municipality of Rosario and the government of the Province of Santa Fe.
“It is a truly important day because after six years of work and difficult conditions we were able to achieve the goal of launching the UNR Food Plant, which in my opinion is one of the most important initiatives we have promoted in recent years,” added Bartolacci.
“We believe that there is a contribution that the UNR can make here, as the National University of Litoral and the National University of La Plata are doing today, and that it will also function as a laboratory for the research teams that develop the products and as a space for professional practice for students,” he said.
Bartolacci expressed his pride that the community had been able, under very complex conditions, "to join the ends of the same thread to achieve the goal of inaugurating this plant and in the coming weeks to start producing and get it to the people who need it most."
For his part, the mayor of Rosario, Pablo Javkin, emphasized the synergy between the municipality and the National University of Rosario (UNR), focused on the first 1.000 days of childhood development: “In the city, there are around 4.000 children who lack the necessary levels of nutrition during this crucial stage. We are pleased with this opening and will contribute to the plant's continued growth in terms of food production and new products.”
Also participating in the inauguration ceremony were the president of the City Council, María Eugenia Schmuck, the director of Social and Environmental Responsibility at Cargill, Julián Ferrer, and managers from Cargill, the Secretary of the Extension Area of the University, Ianara Hummel, the Vice-Rector of the UNR, Darío Masía, authorities from the province of Santa Fe, the city of Rosario, deans of Faculties, directors of University High Schools, Secretaries and Coordinators of University Areas, as well as representatives of the companies that made this project possible.
Infrastructure and projection
The new space occupies a covered area of 330 m² in the former university dining hall. The building was completely adapted to house production machinery, offices, laboratories, and separate loading, unloading, and storage areas.
The layout is organized into two sections: the larger section houses the loading and unloading areas and storage for both raw materials and finished products, while the production area itself is located at the front. Offices, laboratories, restrooms, and other support facilities are also located here.
The meeting included the unveiling of a plaque in recognition of Cargill, awards to the Faculty of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Bachelor's Degree in Food Science and Technology, and a tour of the facilities.
Journalists: Victoria Arrabal and Gonzalo J. García/Photographer: Camila Casero