Lisbon, June 2, 2025 (Lusa) - The Food Bank Against Hunger campaign collected 1,878 tonnes of food this weekend in more than 2,000 stores across the country, the social solidarity institution announced on Monday.

The Food Bank announced that this collection represents a 6.4% increase compared to the same campaign in 2024, which raised 1,755 tonnes, according to the institution's statement.

"The response to the Food Bank campaign has once again been incredible. It is very gratifying to be able to count on the participation of so many people who go shopping and share food with those most in need, responding to the Food Bank's appeal and not remaining indifferent," said Isabel Jonet, president of the Portuguese Federation of Food Banks against Hunger, quoted in the text.

According to the Food Bank, the food collected will be distributed from next week by 2,300 social solidarity institutions, which will deliver it "to around 360,000 people with proven food needs, in the form of food baskets or cooked meals served in homes, home support, nurseries, meals for homeless people, among others".

 In addition to this weekend's in-person campaign, which involved around 40,000 volunteers, it will also be possible to contribute until 2 June through vouchers available in supermarkets or on the electronic platform at www.alimentestaideia.pt.

In 2024, the 21 Food Banks Against Hunger operating in Portugal distributed a total of 27.5 million kilograms of food, an average of 109 tonnes per working day, with an estimated total value of over €45 million.

MCL/ADB // ADB.

Lusa