From east to west, more than 108 thousand
tonnes of food was distributed around the 16
municipalities, in a good-will gesture that
took one whole weekend to complete.
According to a proud Adriano Pimpão,
president of the institute's Algarve branch,
"the number of products donated means
distribution has risen by 40 per cent",
which in his opinion shows the generosity
and concern of the local population. This
was distributed amongst 46 regional
institutions and associations that have a
protocol with the Food Bank, many of which
are charitable institutions.
Despite a lack of statistics to determine
the current number of poor and needy in the
Algarve, Adriano Pimpão believes there is a
new niche for needy people in the
middle-class market, "individuals that never
thought they would be without money to buy
food, but due to over-expending credit they
fin ish off in financial difficulties and
are also in need".
On a national scale, food products are
gathered in Lisbon, Oporto, Coimbra, Évora,
Aveiro, Abrantes, S. Miguel (Azores),
Setúbal, Cova da Beira, Leiria-Fátima,
Algarve and Portalegre.
At present there are approximately 17.700
volunteers working for the Food Bank, which
has 13 warehouses and main distribution
points.
