Activities

MAIN LINK IN DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD TO THOSE IN NEED

Activities of the Food Bank are based on the idea of sharing and donations, promotion of solidarity amongst the citizens and confirmation that by mutual effort we can be in service of those in need.

The food donated to the Food Bank is being distributed to beneficiaries through humanitarian organisations and social welfare institutions, which, in accordance with their basic activities, also strive to alleviate hardship of population living below the poverty line.

Since October 2009, FOOD BANK Belgrade is member of European Federation of Food Banks (FEBA).

Principles

Work Principles of FOOD BANK Belgrade

The basic principles followed by the Belgrade Food Bank and set by the European Federation of Food Banks (FEBA) Charter are:

1. Food Bank does not accept money for acquisition of supplies that it distributes.

2. Food Bank does not distribute food directly to the beneficiaries - the destitute, but through intermediary social welfare institutions (children and youth homes, soup kitchens, social work centres etc.) or other organisations that help the destitute (associations for single mothers, children with special needs, people with disabilities and so on).

3. Transparency in work.

Alongside the basic principles, the Association also abides by the following:

- Not-for-profit - acquisition and distribution of food is for free.

- No direct food distribution - the food is being distributed to those in need through humanitarian organisations that base their activities on prevention and alleviation of hunger amongst the population.

- Non-political and non-party orientation.

CHARTER OF EUROPEAN FOOD BANKS

The operation of Food Banks is based upon DONATIONS and DISTRIBUTION following the four principal guidelines:

1. Supply

One of the aims of the Food Bank is to fight against wastage.

The "supply" stage, while insisting upon the high standard of hygiene, is based on collection of: 

          - Agricultural surpluses,

          - Excess production in the food-processing sector, or goods which are

            non marketable but nevertheless consumable,

          - Surplus food from canteens or restaurant chains.

This stage also includes contributions from the public, through special collections in supermarkets, schools etc. All these contributions must be FREE OF CHARGE.

2. Distribution

Food Banks are charities put at the service of other organizations fighting against hunger. They do not themselves distribute to people in distress, but donate through the network of local charities, groups or communities in contact with vulnerable social groups (Social welfare centres, Red Cross etc.). An agreement on free supplies is passed between each Food bank and the groups or charities benefiting.

The food aid is donated via groups and organization in the form of:

          -  Meals in soup kitchens,

          - Common meals at small reception points,

          - Food parcels.

3. Operation

Food Banks base their activity on the will to promote active and responsible solidarity.

In this respect, their operations are conditioned by:

          -  Donations of material and equipment,

          -  Coverage of operating expenses by third parties,

          -  Support from various organizations,

          -  Donations and subsidies.

4. Structure

Food Banks exist thanks to the activities of volunteers and various humanitarian organizations.

This organization concept represent a testimony in favour of the fact that different entities can function towards a unified cause and be in service of those in need for help.

Objectives

Short-Term

- To ensure regular food donations (at least 2.5 tons per month) from different corporate donors for the people living below the poverty border (min. 250 persons per month).

- To organize, by sending a public call to companies, periodical distribution of large food donations aimed at specific socially vulnerable groups.

- To include as many participants as possible into the realization of our project, create a wide and stable network of donors (food donors as well as providers of financial support) that will enable a long-term efficient functioning of Food Bank.

- To raise public awareness regarding the poverty problem in Serbia by organizing actions of collecting food in mega-markets and including the individuals/consumers as well as occasional public appeals.

 Long-term

 - Gathering a large number of strategic partners-donors (companies, agencies etc.) in order to enable permanent support to FBB activities;

- Building a strategic partnership with relevant state institutions (social welfare centers and so on) and local authorities in order to prevent and fight poverty in Serbia more efficiently;

- Developing programs and activities to enhance the culture of sharing and donating;

- Promotion of solidarity amongst citizens and proving that together we can be of service to those in need;

- Contributing to the development of public conscience of the need for socially responsible businesses;

- Expanding the network of Food Banks in Serbia and thus contributing to the Government's strategy for poverty reduction;

- Strengthening the poor citizens and contributing to their feeling of security, as opposed to the feeling of being at the social margin and on their own.