During the latest autumn food drive in the Czech Republic, people donated 624 tons of goods. The collected goods included 562 tons of food and 62 tons of basic hygiene needs, making it the most successful event in history. According to Miroslav Dinga, a Czech Trade and Tourism Association representative, selected foods could yield as many as 1.124 million meal servings.
The collection is not over; it continues in e-shops until November 21st. An anticipated milestone is the exceeding of 700 tons of donated goods. On the event day, people could donate purchased goods in all commercial chains or the Rossmann, dm drugstore markt, and Teta drugstore networks.
The event also included online supermarkets Rohlík and Košík and e-shops of Tesco and Billa chains, which prepared electronic vouchers or various aid packages. According to the chairman of the Czech Federation of Food Banks, Aleš Slavíček, Czech citizens proved that they are not indifferent to the fate of others who find themselves in difficult situations. Over 5000 volunteers eventually participated.
In brick-and-mortar stores, people could buy and then donate essential non-perishable foods like flour, sugar, pasta, rice, legumes, oil, long-life milk, baby food, meat, and other canned goods, instant soups, and drugstore products such as shampoos, soaps, diapers, pads, toilet paper, toothbrushes, or toothpaste. The donated goods are now being transported to food bank warehouses, where they will be distributed to charitable organizations, cities, and towns to all those in need.
The food drive is one of the most significant material charity events in the Czech Republic. It involves thousands of volunteers, store employees, and non-profit organizations from all over the country. The Ministry of Agriculture financially supports the operation of food banks.