The Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) will donate 350 thousand euros to the Rede de Emergência Alimentar of the Banco Alimentar Contra a Fome. The goal is to help the population that has lost income and seen the support provided by social charities severely limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the activity of IPSS and various sectors of the economy being affected by emergency measures, and with the closure of schools, day-care centers and nursery schools, the population that was already most vulnerable are being confronted with reduced incomes and the absence of support provided to them.

In this context of emergency and considering the growing number of requests that the Banco Alimentar Contra a Fome is receiving daily, FLAD decided to donate 350 thousand euros to support the Rede de Emergência Alimentar. Of this amount, 100 thousand euros will be allocated specifically to the Food Banks of the Azores, a region with which FLAD has a very close relationship.

“We are experiencing a moment of exception to which we have to respond. There are many people living in a difficult situation and in need of support, and we believe that, as a Portuguese foundation, FLAD must be attentive and act within the scope of our social responsibility. We wanted to partner with an institution with a consolidated structure and the ability to act quickly.” – Rita Faden, President of FLAD

“The mobilization of society as a whole at this difficult time is of increased importance and contributes to social cohesion. FLAD’s support, so relevant by size and promptness, will ensure that many families that have been left without support and resources get the food they need. The gratitude we express is on behalf of these families who will be able to face the times ahead with an indispensable support for their lives.” – Isabel Jonet, President of the Portuguese Federation of Bancos Alimentares Contra a Fome

The Portuguese Federation of Bancos Alimentares Contra a Fome currently has a network of 21 food banks distributed throughout the country, including Madeira and the Azores. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic led the Federation, in partnership with Entrajuda, to create a Food Emergency Network. This network aims to help those who have lost IPSS support, closed in the meantime, those who do not have the financial capacity to buy the products they need, those whose only meal was the one they had at the day-care center or nursery school, and those who depend on the food baskets they receive weekly or monthly.

The partnership with the Banco Alimentar Contra a Fome is the first step in FLAD’s social intervention, and we are currently analyzing other initiatives.

In www.bancoalimentar.pt you will find more information about the food bank network.

To make a donation, visit www.alimentestaideia.pt

Every act of help counts!

Stay strong and healthy!