Costa Cruises partnered with the Italian Red Cross Committee of Civitavecchia to ensure that leftover food aboard the Costa Toscana is put to good use every Friday. This program involves the distribution of prepared but unused meals to people in need.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by Costa Cruises to manage and repurpose food surplus for social benefit aboard their ships, with a focus on the port city of Civitavecchia, a major stopping point for the Italian cruise line.

The partnership includes collaboration between Costa Cruises and various organizations including the Civitavecchia Committee of the Italian Red Cross, the One Health Department (covering human, animal, and ecosystem health), international relations of Civitavecchia, the Civitavecchia Customs Office, the ASL Roma 4 health authority, and the Civitavecchia Rotary Club.

The flagship of the Costa fleet, Costa Toscana, will see its surplus food collected every Friday during its stops in Civitavecchia. The process begins the evening before the ship docks, after dinner service, when "ready to eat" meals that were not served to guests are gathered. These meals are then stored in aluminum containers which are sealed and labeled for traceability, and kept in the ship’s refrigerators. The following day, upon the ship’s arrival at Civitavecchia port, these containers are unloaded and handed over to volunteers from the Italian Red Cross Committee of Civitavecchia, who distribute the meals to the homeless and families experiencing significant material deprivation, including those at the "Repubblica dei Ragazzi" children's home.

Roberto Petteruti, President of the Civitavecchia Red Cross, expressed his commitment to the cause: “This year marks the 160th anniversary of the Italian Red Cross, which has always stood by those living in vulnerable conditions. Our involvement in this project stems from a desire to enhance our food waste reduction efforts while also addressing the growing demand for food assistance. We are grateful to Costa Cruises and all participating entities and associations for their sensitivity and valuable collaboration.”