FEBA celebrates its Official Opening with the participation of Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis.
Brussels, 10 October 2018 – Established in 1986, today the European Food Banks Federation (FEBA) officially opens its headquarters in Brussels together with its Board of Directors, food bankers from different countries, representatives from European institutions, European stakeholders as well as other NGOs, partners, colleagues and friends.
In this exciting and challenging period, among the activities carried out, the dialogue with the European institutions and stakeholders is becoming increasingly important and therefore the European Food Banks Federation is willing to share its experience and play a significant role. This new headquarters should be the place to discuss and define the future of the European Food Banks together with FEBA membership and partners in the heart of Europe.
Jacques Vandenschrik, FEBA President comments: “The establishment of the European Food Banks Federation in the capital of Europe is a milestone in the history of our organization. It coincides with the inclusion of professional staff thanks to the support of our members and partners, among which we have the honor to count the European Union. Our scope of activities will enlarge with a view to better support our membership, to contribute to the food and/or material assistance, with particular reference to the ESF+. Every year we increase the recovery of surplus food in order to assist 44,700 charitable organizations that help 8.1 million most deprived people suffering from food insecurity in Europe. The dissemination of the EU Guidelines on food donation is a very important contribution to this purpose. These objectives will help us to address new challenges such as the growing potential for cross border food donations, creating a de facto solidarity among European countries. The need for new technologies to make the activity of our network more efficient is another area of urgent concern. We will increase our contribution to the health of our planet and its disadvantaged people, in line with the targets of the EU and the UN SDGs.”
To celebrate this important milestone, the European Food Banks Federation has the honor to count on the participation of Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety. Commissioner Andriukaitis adds: “The fact that the European Food Banks Federation is opening offices in Brussels is both bad and good news. It is a bad news in the sense that it clearly demonstrates that food waste is still around us and that there are still too many people in need. But it is also a very good news because it shows that fight against food waste is gaining momentum and with the help of all those committed we can put an end to this unacceptable, unethical and immoral practice, improving the life of those in need. FEBA is a crucial partner in this challenge and having you closer to us and stronger make us more effective in fighting this battle.”
