A Centuries-Old Heritage Finds Its Way to the Tables of Families in Need

Bornova Municipality is turning the abundant harvest from hundreds of olive trees in the district’s parks and recreation areas into a bridge of social solidarity. Olives carefully harvested from trees under the municipality’s care have been sent to pressing facilities to be transformed into golden olive oil. The bounty of these public spaces will soon reach the tables of families in need across Bornova through the Kent Market network.

Throughout the year, Bornova Municipality teams have meticulously maintained the olive trees growing in green spaces, recreation areas, and children’s parks across the district. With the arrival of the harvest season, the teams rolled up their sleeves and picked the olives one by one. The municipality announced that none of the harvested olives would be sold for commercial purposes; instead, the entire yield would be used directly for the public benefit. Once the pressing process is complete, the high-quality olive oil will be bottled and distributed through Bornova’s established social assistance network.

From Kent Market Shelves to Families in Need

Making a difference through its socially oriented municipal services, Bornova Municipality will deliver the olive oil directly to Kent Market shelves. Disadvantaged families receiving social assistance from the municipality will be able to access this pure olive oil through Kent Market at no cost, in a way that upholds their rights and human dignity.

Mayor Eşki: “We Share Our Productive Strength with Our People”

Commenting on the initiative, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki stated that the municipality aims to make productive use of every square meter of public space across the district.

“As we protect Bornova’s soil, trees, and natural environment, we consider sharing what we produce from this land with our fellow residents a fundamental responsibility. Rather than allowing the olives in our parks to rot and go to waste, we are sending them for pressing to turn them into liquid gold. Through our Kent Market network, we will deliver this healthy and valuable product to the kitchens of families in need. We are determined to strengthen social justice and solidarity in every neighborhood of Bornova and ensure that no one is left behind,” he said.