Autumn food drive begins in Czechia: Fight poverty in person or online

The Autumn Food Collection, a charitable event aimed at supporting individuals facing challenging life circumstances, is set to take place on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023.

Organized by the Czech Federation of Food Banks, the collection will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., allowing donations of non-perishable food or drugstore goods in over 2,000 stores and through online purchases until Nov. 21. The aim is to provide aid for seniors, single parents, foster families, children's homes, disabled citizens, and the homeless.

This vital initiative is one of the largest charity drives in the Czech Republic. The operation boasts the engagement of thousands of volunteers, store personnel, and non-profit organizations operating across the nation. The donated goods are transported to food bank warehouses, and from there, they are distributed to those in need through various charitable organizations and food bank outlets.

"It is really gratifying that we managed to build a functioning system of help for fellow citizens in need. Unfortunately, their number is increasing every year, according to statistics, up to 15 percent of all residents of the Czech Republic are currently below the poverty line," said Aleš Slavíček, chairman of the Czech Federation of Food Banks.

In addition to cooperation with large charitable partners, food banks have also launched the distribution of food and drugstores in the form of direct delivery, or networks of their delivery points.

Until Nov. 21, you can also donate to food and drugstores through online stores Košík.cz, Rohlík.cz, iTesco and Billa. The drugstore chains dm drogerie, ROSSMANN, and Teta drogerie are collecting drugstore goods as part of the drive. 

Launched in 2019, the Food Collection is held biannually, allowing for a continuous flow of support to vulnerable communities. It is a collective effort of the Czech Federation of Food Banks, the Trade and Tourism Association of the Czech Republic, retail chains, the Association of Social Responsibility, and various partners in the non-profit sector.

Organizers say that the success of the Food Collection events lie not only in the donations but also in the collaborative spirit and dedication of all involved in supporting those facing adversity. More than 4,000 volunteers from the ranks of employees of retail chains and the non-profit sector participated in the last round of the Food Collection lasst spring.

The community's increasing participation in this event offers a beacon of hope for marginalized and vulnerable groups.