The Spanish Federation of Food Banks (Fesbal) is seeking public collaboration for the next Great Collection, to be held on November 22, 23 and 24.. This year’s main objective is to help the thousands of people affected by the devastation of the DANAas well as 1.2 million people in vulnerable situations and in need of food support. For this reason, the agency is asking “more than ever” for participation, “which is essential to ensure that no one is left behind,” through physical or monetary donations or by signing up to volunteer.
During the Gran Recogida, the 54 associated Food Banks will collect food between Friday and the weekend at more than 11,000 points set up throughout Spain in supermarkets. The organization foresees a collection of 12.5 million kilos of food.The Fesbal director, Francisco Greciano, said in a press conference that the event had raised 12.5 million kilos of food, in addition to the economic donations.
In the presentation, which has the slogan ‘Feed the hope’, Greciano has assured that the event “takes on a special importance” because part of the proceeds” will be donated to the municipalities affected by the DANA. For his part, the president of Fesbal, Pedro Llorca, stressed that when the emergency situation is over they will continue to “support and contribute” to Valencian families and those facing food poverty so that “they do not have to worry about accessing decent food”.
Last year, the Food Banks associated with Fesbal served almost 1,200,000 people. This year, due to the aftermath of the hurricane at the end of October, the aid will reach more people, although its promoters have not been able to provide an exact estimate.
90,000 volunteers
However, Greciano has stressed that. about 18,000 volunteers are still needed with three days to go. To date, 80% of what is needed (72,000) has been covered and people are still being sought to reach the target of 90,000.
“We hope to meet and reach the goal of volunteering, it is essential,” he stressed. In this sense, the federation has reminded us that those interested may join the initiative until November 22nd.the start date of the event.
The campaign will take place at the most food chains throughout Spain where, depending on the chain, it will be possible to donate non-perishable physical products or make financial donations at the cash register.
The role of financial donations
In addition to the kilos of food that are expected to be collected, financial donations are also needed, which will be used entirely for the purchase of food and basic products. which will be acquired throughout the year according to the needs. These monetary contributions will remain in a bag in favor of the food banks so that they can be used for the purchase of products in the medium term.
“The economic contribution is the modality that allows us to acquire fresh produce to complement the basic basket and offer a more nutritionally complete diet and, on the other hand, to adapt the purchase of product according to the stock we have in our warehouses and the needs of the population,” detailed Greciano.
All donations made are eligible for tax relief. In the case of food donations, it will be necessary to keep the purchase receipt and present it on the Gran Recogida website.
To collaborate in the main food chains, volunteers can register on the website and donors can go to food chains during the three days of the event or make a Bizum to the number 00090.