“Yesterday our dear Barbara Nuvola passed away, leaving an immense void in all the people who loved her”. The sad announcement of his death, the causes of which are not known, came from the Facebook page of the Vegan Store, a historical point of reference within the Nuovo Mercato Testaccio in Rome.
Barbara, soul and founder of the Vegan Store, was not just a trader. She was an activist, a woman who had made her beliefs a life choice, bringing them every day to the stalls of one of the most popular markets in the capital. In 2015 he opened the first entirely vegan stall inside a Roman local market, box 83 of the Nuovo Mercato Testaccio. A choice that is anything but obvious, especially in a neighborhood historically linked to the former slaughterhouse and the Roman gastronomic tradition, made up of specialties such as carbonara and Coda alla Vaccinara.
Between plant-based meats and cheeses, organic products and cruelty-free specialties, Barbara had built something that went beyond a simple shop: a place where she could talk about animal rights, learn about new products and also meet with those who had never considered a vegan choice.
A life dedicated to animal rights (and beyond)
Those who knew her remember her above all for her generosity and availability towards others. “Barbara was a person of rare sensitivity, who always lent a hand to those in need, fighting for the weakest and truly making a difference in the lives of many people” we read in the post shared on the Vegan Store page.
His commitment did not stop at the defense of animals, he made his voice heard against the genocide of the Palestinian people and other injustices. Over the years, the Vegan Store had also become a meeting point for solidarity initiatives and social projects. In the pain of her passing, friends and people close to Barbara decided to start a fundraiser to support her daughter Meera, to offer her concrete help in such a difficult moment. “Barbara has helped many people. Now it’s our turn to be there.” This is the message that accompanies the initiative, an invitation to return at least part of the generosity that Barbara had shown throughout her life.
