Without a doubt, every single person in our community has been directly affected by the pandemic. For some it has been a slight change in routine, while others have experienced significant impact through job loss which impacts the domestic capabilities for that individual/family.
The Czech Food Bank Association – Potravinové Banky – is an umbrella organization of the many local food banks located throughout the Czech Republic. It is a completely non-profit, non-governmental, apolitical and non-religious organization. The Association’s primary roles include representing the local food banks at a national level, coordinating food bank activities as well as ensuring compliance with the Charter of Food Banks and the Code of Ethics. The non-profit organizations of Nadĕje and the Armáda Spásy (Salvation Army) are also members of the Czech Food Bank Association.
The restrictions imposed to stem off the pandemic have affected so many people from single women to young families to the elderly. The local food banks have been stretched, demand is still high and are well below supplies for the coming winter months. It is estimated over 125,000 people have been helped through the Czech food banks this year.
On Saturday, November 21, Potravinové Banky will conduct a food drive at partner retail stores. The stores participating in the drive include: Albert, Billa, dm Drogerie, Globus, Kaufland, Lidl, MAKRO, Penny Market, Rossman and Tesco. For online stores, Rohlik.cz and iTesco. The donation period is November 18 through December 1, 2020. In Prague alone, there are over 125 stores participating in this initiative. To check for a store nearest to you, please see this map.
What are the most important items to purchase for the food drive?
It is simple, durable groceries, which include baby food, canned food, durable milk, dry soup mixes, rice, beans, pasta, cooking oils and basic drugstore items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, bars of soap, and deodorants. The smallest donation is appreciated
Where to leave a donation?
On Saturday, November 21, volunteers wearing green aprons will be at the participating stores to accept your donation as you exit the store. It really can’t get much easier!
To learn more about Potravinové Banky please see their website.
“Little by little, a little becomes a lot” – Tanzanian Proverb
