Already this Friday and Saturday, the 37th "Food bank" action. It is held in 70 Lithuanian cities and towns, in 405 stores. In the campaign, he will collect support for the people under his care "Food bank" and 244 other non-governmental organizations. More than 7000 volunteers are expected to contribute to the long-term initiative.
As the number of people unable to feed themselves grows, the public's help is requested
According to the data of the State Data Agency, 11,1 percent of the population could not have a full meal last year. Lithuanian residents. This year, a survey conducted by the National Network of Poverty Reduction Organizations shows that 14,3 percent population lacked money for food, and among those with the lowest incomes, one in three faced challenges in feeding themselves. "Compared to previous years, these numbers have increased significantly, and this is not just a statistic, "Maisto bankas" meets people who are struggling every day in its drop-offs. We currently support more than 230 people, but in Lithuania, many more face the risk of poverty. The number of people we support does not reflect the whole situation, it rather shows only the possibilities of "Maisto bankas" to help, but we have to admit - supporting such a large number of people, we often experience food shortages. So the only way out is society's sacrifices. In times of crisis, it is harder for the weak to recover, so I sincerely believe that the stronger can help them. I'm asking every person in Lithuania - if you can, don't pass by the volunteers of "Maisto bankas" this weekend, share as much as you can", Simonas Gurevičius, head of "Maisto bankas" invites you to participate in the campaign.
Aistė Adomavičienė, head of the National Network of Poverty Alleviation Organizations, agrees with the head of "Maisto bankas" while emphasizing the impact of inflation on the needy. "Unfortunately, after the energy crisis caused by Russia's war against Ukraine, inflation increased significantly, and it always hits people with low incomes the most - seniors, people with disabilities, people with fewer opportunities due to their place of residence far from big cities. NGO experience shows that the most vulnerable people have the hardest time recovering from crises. Thus, even when the situation stabilizes and inflation decreases, it is difficult for these individuals to make ends meet, provide themselves with essential products and maintain housing. As a society, we are also responsible for the people around us, so it is important to notice and help. It is very important that there is a "Food Bank" in Lithuania, which organizes food aid - in this way, it is even easier for each of us to contribute," A. Adomavičienė points out the importance of organized actions.
Canned food and oil are requested
Although more than two hundred different organizations are participating in the "Maisto bankas" campaign, whose patrons may have different food needs, the organizers of the campaign invite you to pay attention to two products - oil and canned meat or fish. "If we have the opportunity, we always aim to create a full-fledged support basket, the biggest challenge is protein-rich food. Due to the storage conditions, we cannot ask for donations of meat or fish products that require a temperature regime, so we ask for canned goods by analogy. Also, the people who receive our support always ask a lot for oil, which is simply too expensive for many of those in need, but a necessary product for cooking", says S. Gurevičius.
The promotion of "Maisto bankas" will take place in retail chains "LIDL", "UNTIL", "Maxima","Rimi", "Utena trade", "February", in the section "Norfa", "Aibė" and "Gulbele" stores. On Friday event will be held from 15 to 20 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 19 p.m. Those who cannot physically come to the stores are invited to contribute by donating food products through the online store "Barbora" or by calling the short numbers 1343 (donation 5 euros) and 1413 (donation 10 euros).
