In a remarkable display of public generosity, the Czech Republic’s autumn food drive collected an unprecedented 640 tons of goods, marking the highest amount in its 11-year history. The nationwide effort saw donors contribute 572 tons of food and 68 tons of hygiene products, significantly surpassing last year’s figures.
The campaign mobilized an impressive 2,250 brick-and-mortar stores and over 5,000 volunteers, with additional collection efforts continuing through six online retailers until December 3rd. This bi-annual initiative, held in spring and autumn, has shown consistent growth, with this fall’s collection exceeding last spring’s 565-ton haul.
Tomáš Prouza, president of the Czech Confederation of Commerce and Tourism, noted the year-over-year increase in participating stores, volunteers, and donation volumes. The collected items, primarily consisting of canned goods, baby food, instant soups, long-life milk, oil, rice, legumes, pasta, and basic hygiene products, are distributed to those in need.
The initiative serves a crucial social purpose, with donations immediately reaching vulnerable groups including seniors, families in crisis, single parents, and the homeless. Food banks across the country have reported an increasing demand for assistance in recent months.
Supporting this vital initiative, Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný announced an increase in state funding for food banks to 104 million Czech crowns next year, up from this year’s 95 million. The funds will be used to develop individual branches and storage facilities.