As stated in the Charter of the European Food Banks Federation, which was reviewed and approved by the General Assembly on 17 December 2020, FEBA members depend on the donation and sharing of food and in principle, the food supplies must be free of charge. The crisis caused by COVID-19 has deeply impacted FEBA members with an unprecedented increase in the demand for food from charitable organizations and individuals needing help to access food.
In Switzerland, particularly in the canton of Geneva where food insecurity has increased considerably, the health crisis has generated a deep economic and social crisis.
Partage, the Geneva Food Bank, is in heavy demand on a daily basis and must offer three times more basic necessities than in ordinary times.Partage faces a double conjuncture:
- a 25% drop in unsold donations from supermarkets
- an increase in food insecurity with 40% more beneficiaries
As demand is exceptionally high, purchasing basic necessities (fresh, dry and hygienic) is a priority in order to provide emergency food aid in the canton.Partage wants to commit to making exceptional purchases in 2021 to meet the needs.To do this, the Food Bank’s budget is tripling this year.
In the canton of Geneva, Partage carries out each week the making of 5,500 food bags to provide food support to 8,000 adults and children, and supply 50 other partner associations and social services. All this allows food aid to 13,200 direct beneficiaries in total.
