August 29 marked the 10th anniversary of Solidarity Day – Project Restolho, a pioneering initiative in Portuguese higher education that combines volunteer work, sustainability, and academic integration. In this special edition, more than 300 new undergraduate students joined in harvesting leftover potatoes — the so-called restolhos — which, instead of going to waste, were donated to social organizations with the support of ENTRAJUDA and Banco Alimentar Contra a Fome (food bank against hunger). 

Launched in 2015, the initiative was born from the collaboration of three key partners: Agromais, ENTRAJUDA, and the Banco Alimentar Contra a Fome. 

“Food waste left in the fields is not the result of unsold produce. It’s a technical waste: potatoes that don’t meet industrial standards,” stresses Jorge Neves, director of Agromais. “We’ve always known it existed. The question was: how to solve it? We knew the origin — the farmers — and the destination — the food banks. What was missing was the central link: volunteers to harvest. Machines are not an option; costs would be too high. We found that missing link through ENTRAJUDA, which mobilizes volunteers, and that’s how, 10 years ago, CATÓLICA-LISBON became part of this solidarity chain”. 

ENTRAJUDA, founded by Isabel Jonet, who also serves as President of the Banco Alimentar Contra a Fome, was one of the social institutions driving this initiative. As Maria João, ENTRAJUDA volunteer, explains: “Our role was to mobilize volunteers and act as a bridge between the Food Bank, which distributes the collected food, and Agromais, which provides the land and crops with surpluses. One of the first actions involving university students was precisely with CATÓLICA-LISBON, on this Solidarity Day. Since then, Restolho has become part of the annual welcoming of new students.” 

Beyond its solidarity and sustainability dimension, Solidarity Day also serves as a pedagogical and integrative experience. 

“The first goal is to build team spirit. Students come from different schools and countries and, the day after Welcome Day, are organized into groups with specific names, with the aim of harvesting the largest number of potatoes. They work together, get to know each other, and cooperate,” explains Rita Coelho do Vale, Dean for Undergraduate Programs. 

She also emphasizes the initiative’s social impact: 

“Unlike traditional initiation rituals, Solidarity Day allows us to achieve all integration goals while creating real impact. Every year, students collect between two and three tons of potatoes, distributed by the Food Bank to charitable institutions. This means that, on that same evening, many families can put food on the table thanks to these students’ efforts. It is an experience of solidarity, but also of sustainability, as we rescue food that would otherwise be wasted and give it a useful destination.” 

This year, CATÓLICA-LISBON welcomed 304 new students from 38 nationalities. Among the countries represented are new origins such as Algeria, alongside a growing presence of students from Ecuador. 

“Many of these students come from international schools and are seeking a high-quality education with a global scope. Our undergraduate programs are taught in English from day one, which makes the school particularly attractive,” adds Rita Coelho do Vale. 

One of them is Nicolás, 19, from Ecuador, who enrolled in the international Bachelor in Business Administration. 

“I researched several universities, especially in Portugal, but I chose CATÓLICA-LISBON because of its international rankings, its program, and its history. I believe it is the best choice for me and for my career. Solidarity Day is also an opportunity to meet people from different countries, make friends, and start building connections for the future,” he says, adding that he hopes to apply for the Double Degree program. 

Over the last decade, Solidarity Day has enabled the collection of more than 23 tons of potatoes, turning food waste into concrete support for thousands of families.