Every year since 2006, it has been organizing its Christmas non-perishable food collection campaign, which over the years has grown into one of the biggest domestic celebrations of solidarity and togetherness. More than a hundred thousand people make an offering at this time to make the holiday of the needy easier. The action is actually about the fact that donors can also buy for the needy in the relevant stores, where they can drop off the donations at the collection points next to the cash registers – here the volunteers of the food bank wearing green vests will take the packages from them. Last year, for example, customers donated 342 tons of food, that is, they donated 220 kilos in every minute of the three-day campaign, which was enough to assemble a total of 70,000 relief food packages. In 2022, a total of 323 kilos of donations were received from the Dunaújváros department stores thanks to the donors.
In the announcement, it is also written that customers can directly help disadvantaged people living in their surroundings with their donations. The food bank delivers the collected food to the needy in the run-up to the holidays and during the coldest weeks of January with the help of charitable organizations operating in the vicinity of individual stores. The donations will mainly benefit the elderly, large families, family support services and children’s homes, people with disabilities, the homeless and residents of the country’s most disadvantaged settlements. Regarding Dunaújváros, the local partner institution of the food bank is the Útvereske Segítő Szolgálat, more commonly known as the family support service, with which they can deliver donations to the needy.
The collection will take place between November 15 and 17, from Friday to Sunday, in the stores of four retail chains, Tesco, ALDI, Auchan and METRO, at 365 locations across the country. Donations are accepted on Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
For those in need, canned food, rice, pasta and the sauces that go with them, baby food, cooking oil, long-lasting milk and sweets are the greatest help, as well as any food that does not require refrigeration.
Title: A Celebration of Solidarity: Interview with Food Donation Expert Dr. Laura Beckett
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome, Dr. Beckett! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Your work in food security and community engagement has had a tremendous impact in recent years. Let’s dive into the Christmas food collection campaign you’ve been actively involved with. Can you tell us how this initiative began and what inspired its creation back in 2006?
Dr. Laura Beckett: Thank you for having me! The Christmas non-perishable food collection campaign was born out of a need to foster community spirit and support those facing food insecurity, especially during the holiday season. It began as a small initiative but quickly grew into a massive celebration of solidarity, reflecting the compassionate nature of our communities.
Interviewer: It’s remarkable to see how it has evolved over the years. Last year alone, customers donated an astonishing 342 tons of food within just three days! What do you think drives such overwhelming participation from the public?
Dr. Beckett: There are several factors at play. Firstly, the campaign provides an accessible way for people to contribute. By allowing donations directly at stores, we simplify the giving process and encourage spontaneous acts of kindness. Secondly, the visible presence of volunteers in green vests creates a community atmosphere, emphasizing that we are all in this together. The sense of belonging and making an impact, even in small ways, really resonates with many people.
Interviewer: That’s a powerful perspective! Can you walk us through how the collection process works during the campaign?
Dr. Beckett: Certainly! During the campaign, shoppers can pick up non-perishable food items in stores and place them in designated collection points near the cash registers. Our dedicated volunteers are there to assist, gather the donations, and ensure that every item is accounted for. It’s a well-organized operation, and feedback from both donors and volunteers has been incredibly positive.
Interviewer: Last year, the campaign managed to assemble a total of 70,000 relief food packages. What kind of impact do these packages have on the local community?
Dr. Beckett: Each relief package represents hope and care for those in need. They not only provide essential nutrition but also send a message that the community supports them during tough times. This act of generosity fosters a sense of inclusion and helps alleviate some of the burdens faced by lower-income families throughout the holiday season.
Interviewer: Moving forward, how do you see the campaign evolving in the future? Are there any specific goals or initiatives being planned?
Dr. Beckett: We’re always looking for ways to expand our reach and increase awareness about food insecurity. For the future, we’d like to incorporate educational components into the campaign, teaching donors about food waste and inspiring them to make more conscious choices throughout the year. Additionally, we aim to strengthen partnerships with local businesses to further amplify our impact.
Interviewer: Those sound like fantastic initiatives! Before we conclude, what message do you want to share with our readers regarding the importance of community support during the holiday season?
Dr. Beckett: I’d love to remind everyone that a small act can make a big difference. The holiday season is a time for giving, sharing, and connection. By participating in initiatives like the Christmas food collection campaign, we’re not only helping those in need but also creating a stronger, more united community. Let’s continue to embrace the spirit of giving, not just during the holidays but year-round!
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Beckett, for sharing your insights and highlighting the importance of community solidarity. It’s inspiring to hear about the positive change being made through these initiatives. We look forward to seeing how the campaign continues to grow!
Dr. Beckett: Thank you for having me! It was a pleasure to share our journey and hopes for the future.