Overview

Text Box: Back to main English page The Belgrade food bank The first food bank was founded in Arizona, USA in 1967 and in Europe in 1984 in France. Founded by French and Belgians in 1986, the European Federation of Food Banks holds its headquarters in Paris. In 2005, 188 local food banks located in 17 European countries have distributed a total of 215 000 tons of food, for a value of 444 millions euros, to almost 4 million people, through 22 000 associations. The European federation keeps expanding and currently counts more than 5 000 volunteers. "BANKA HRANE – Beograd", the Belgrade food bank, has been created in September 2006 as a non-party, non-political, non-profit organisation. Our objective is to contribute to the fight against hunger and food waste, and support to the most destitute, as 20% of the Serbian population lives in poverty. Activities The main activity of BANKA HRANE – Beograd is to collect food products (especially surpluses) donated by firms in farming, food industry, wholesale and retail; to store, sort, and distribute them to the people in need, through humanitarian organisations and social institutions which also help the most destitute (the Red cross, homes for children and youngsters, for the elderly, for invalids; collective centers, food kitchens etc), and with which BANKA HRANE – Beograd signs cooperation agreements. Principles In cooperation with the European federation of food banks (FEBA), BANKA HRANE – Beograd acts according to the already existing and proven concept, successfully implemented throughout Europe more than two decades ago. BANKA HRANE – Beograd respects the fundamental ethical principles of the FEBA, consisting in food donations and distribution as a way to fight not only hunger but also food waste. In addition, the association respects the following principles: Not for profit – free of charge collect and distribution of food Food for those in need – food is distributed to those in need through humanitarian organisations fighting hunger Non-political orientation.