The president of Banco Alimentar, Isabel Jonnet, said that by 2 am on Monday morning 1,602 tons of food had been collected, a drop of 243 tons compared to the food drive held at the same time last year.
“[The decrease] is mainly explained by the long weekend, which took many people away from their usual places of residence and changed their usual profile of consumption,” she said.
Despite the drop Jonnet said the amount of food collected was exceptional.
“My words are of thanks to everyone who took part. We never tire of emphasising, with great recognition, the continuing generosity of the Portuguese, both those who donate food and the volunteers who help in the organisation,” she said.
The food bank’s first annual food drive took place this weekend at more than 2,000 shops and stores throughout the country, with the support of 42,000 volunteers.
The food will be distributed as of next week by more than 2,600 charities, reaching around 400,000 people with proven food shortages, in baskets or as cooked meals.
Anyone who did not have the opportunity to contribute at the weekend can do so until 10 June through the “Ajuda Vale” campaign with product vouchers available at supermarket checkouts, and online at www.alimentestaideia.pt .
There are 256 food banks in Europe in 24 countries, guided by the same mission. In 2017 they distributed 756,000 tons of products to 8.1 million needy people through 44,700 associations.