Commitment

Aid must continue

At a time when many institutions of social solidarity have ceased operations due to the contingencies caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Banco Alimentar (Food Bank) has created an alternative network designed to get food to those most in need

Just about any problem can and should be dealt with, particularly when we become involved and commit ourselves to the task. It was with this idea in mind that Isabel Jonet, president of Banco Alimentar, and her team, created the Emergency Food Network (REA by its acronym in Portuguese).

The need for social confinement as a means of containing Covid-19 led to the government declaring a state of emergency. Subsequently, a great many institutions of social solidarity have significantly reduced their activity or closed their doors, which has affected all the work carried out at kindergartens, nurseries, leisure time activity centres and day centres, among others. All of this has resulted in many Portuguese people losing the assistance these organisations were providing them with. Solutions needed to be created to meet their needs, in addition to those of people who have lost all or part of their income due to the crisis

Entrajuda, an institution created through Banco Alimentar, came up with the idea of the Emergency Food Network initiative to encourage institutions that are still operating and local authorities to join forces with the aim of providing those most in need with food. “The people that work at these institutions are familiar with the region and the local population, and know exactly what they need”, says Isabel Jonet, adding that this was the best way of getting people to work together to create this network.

All applications for the provision of assistance or volunteer work at the Emergency Food Network must be made online, via the website, which can also be accessed from the Banco Alimentar and Bolsa de Voluntariado websites.

THE PROMOTION OF PROXIMITY

According to Isabel Jonet, the network has provided assistance for elderly people with no access to the internet in filling out the online form. However, many have had to rely on friends, relatives and even parish councils to do this. In addition to any individual undergoing difficulties, institutions with food collection points can also use the network. “What we do is to refer each specific situation to an institution close to the person's home, to promote proximity and to avoid travelling”, she explains. She also stresses that the method helps prevent duplications and fraud.

The network covers the entire country, including the autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira, and is based at regional food banks and the entities replacing them in regions that aren't covered.

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Due to the number of individuals wishing to donate locally, the Emergency Food Network strives to refer them to the nearest institutions, where they can do so. There is also a considerable number of restaurants offering to cook food provided by the distribution chains and the owners of these establishments. The food is delivered through the Emergency Food Network and served to healthcare professionals. Partners like these, and many other companies, are essential in ensuring that food reaches those most in need.

GUARANTEEING THE FUTURE

According to Isabel Jonet, the Emergency Food Network was created on a Friday, and by Sunday people were already calling from Galp to ask how they could contribute”. Aid has been provided in a number of ways, including fuel and cash donations for the purchase of food, which is essential in enabling us to continue our activity”, says the president of Banco Alimentar. Support such as that provided by Galp and its Foundation, which in addition to facilitating the mobility of the operations accounts for the donation of around 100 tons of essential food items, will help enable the Emergency Food Network to continue to respond to requests until at least November, when the next food bank collection initiative is scheduled. After all, and as Isabel Jonet points out, the current situation in the country is not likely to disappear as quickly as it emerged

CHARITABLE DELIVERIES

Galp will be contributing to the aid provided to the Emergency Food Network in partnership with Uber Eats until the end of May. 10 euros of all orders of 10 euros or more submitted through Uber Eats at Galp stores will be donated to the Emergency Food Network.As a means of encouraging an increasing number of Portuguese to join this cause, the delivery fee for these orders is borne by Uber Eats. In Portugal, and to take part in this initiative, users should enter the code VAMOSAPOIAR in the “Promotions” section on the Uber Eats application and submit an order for at least 10 euros at a Galp store.
Also in Spain, Galp and Uber Eats took part in the Save the Children association's “By your side” programme, providing essential goods to support 1,500 families undergoing difficulties due to the pandemic.