Nationwide food drive kicks off – there has never been such a large-scale effort

It has never happened in so many places at once Food drives in Hungary, just like this coming weekend. On Friday and Saturday, shoppers can make donations for people and families in need at a total of 410 stores in 202 towns and cities across the country. Volunteers from the Hungarian Food Bank Association will collect the donations and distribute them in the coming weeks to those in need living near the stores. Our team is also participating in this campaign under the banner of the Food Bank.

Even a can of food can mean life

Every donation counts: even a single can of food, a bag of rice, or a piece of chocolate can be an important part of a care package. The Hungarian Food Bank Association is one of the country’s largest charitable organizations, helping those in need on a daily basis by collecting donations of food that is close to its expiration date or has packaging defects. With the help of volunteers, the Association collects food from supermarkets, manufacturers, and restaurants.

Food drive breaks records

In addition to its efforts to combat food waste, the Food Bank is also known for organizing the country's largest community-based food drive campaigns as well. For example, before Christmas last year, more than 100,000 people made donations at retail stores, and 240 kilograms of food were collected every minute—enabling 75,000 people in need to receive holiday packages.

Now it's even easier to help

The organizers are expecting an even greater outpouring of support this weekend. The number of participating stores has increased significantly, and more than 5,500 volunteers are donating their time to this noble cause. They are stationed at the entrances to the stores, at the food donation boxes They will be accepting donations nearby and will also help with sorting and distribution.

When and where can we donate?

The food drive The event will take place on Friday, May 9, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on Saturday, May 10, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., at ALDI, Auchan, Lidl, and Tesco stores. Donations can be handed over to our staff members collecting them on behalf of the Food Bank:

Join us in Budapest on May 10–11: Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Lidl (251 Szentendrei út) and Aldi stores on Huszti út.

What foods are needed most?

The following non-perishable foods, which do not require refrigeration, are the most helpful for those in need:

• canned ready-to-eat meals

• rice, pasta, sauces

• baby food

• jams, preserves

• cookies, sweets

Exemplary Donors – Inspiring Stories

One of the most heartwarming moments of last year’s campaign was when a teacher donated twenty-six items that her students had purchased with their class fund. Each student chose for themselves which item they wanted to donate. This also proves that the food drive It can be not only a practical experience, but also an educational one for the community.

Deprivation and Summer Break—Why Is This Especially Important Now?

Although the growing number of volunteers and collection points is welcome news, unfortunately, more and more families are struggling to make ends meet. With summer break approaching, the pressure is particularly high on households where children rely on the school cafeteria for their daily hot meals. The Purpose of the food drive, so that they have the necessary food even during the summer.

Let's help together—let's add kindness to our shopping list

Through their donations, shoppers directly support those in need living in their own communities. The food collected typically helps the elderly, large families, single-parent households, children’s homes, the homeless, and people with disabilities.