Portugal’s Food Bank against Hunger volunteers collected 1,848 tonnes of food last weekend at over 2,000 supermarkets.
In the Algarve, 125 tons of food were collected with spokesperson, Susana Guerreiro, saying that 120 institutions in the region will be distributing the food to 18,500 people and thanked all those who were kind and donated.
The three Algarve council areas that have the most ‘at risk’ residents who need food help, are Olhão, Faro and Loulé.
People who did not have the chance to donate food last weekend, can do so until June 4th by going to www.alimentestaideia.pt Shoppers also can buy vouchers at supermarket check-outs throughout this week at many stores.
At the national level, the foodstuffs collected by 40,000 volunteers will be distributed to more than 2,600 registered Social Solidarity institutions, which will deliver food to institutions serving 426,000 people who do not have enough to eat.
In a statement issued on Monday, ‘Banco Alimentar Contra a Fome’ said the total donated was nearly the same as last year which confirmed the continued solidarity of the Portuguese public and their consistent support for the work of the regional food banks.
Isabel Jonet, the president of the National Food Banks federation, commented, “We know that despite the improvement in economic conditions that many of our fellow citizens still face difficulties and a lack of food. It is gratifying that the Portuguese public understands this reality.”
Last year, €37 million’s worth of food was distributed to Portugal’s needy.
