In the Czech Republic, the Czech Federation of Food Banks oversees all subsidiary food banks, serving as their national and transnational representative and managing a central warehouse. These food banks, which are nonprofit organizations, gather food and distribute it to clients of charitable institutions, particularly aiding vulnerable demographics such as the elderly, families with children, single mothers, and homeless individuals.

Primarily, food banks supply provisions to those in need through charitable organizations serving clients, as well as through food assistance outlets. They procure food from various sources, including food retailers, food drives, the European Food and Material Assistance Programme, small-scale fruit and vegetable producers, food manufacturers, and the general public. In Pardubice, the Food Bank was established in 2015 with co-financing from the EU under the Operational Programme Employment Plus, aligning with social welfare objectives.

Numerous companies and organizations collaborate with the project, including LIDL, Makro, Kaufland, Košík.cz, Rohlík.cz, Charita Czech Republic, and the Ministry of Agriculture. Many organizations, primarily nonprofits like the Parish Charity Chrudim, which aids those in distress and provides intensive care, serve as members and customers.

Another nonprofit organization in Chrudim, SOPRE CR o.p.s., partners with the Food Bank of Pardubice, z.s., and operates its food assistance distribution point. Founded in 2007, SOPRE CR o.p.s.'s initial social service was a shelter for homeless individuals. Their target demographic includes abandoned seniors, single parents, families in crisis, homeless individuals, and those with psychological and physical disabilities who have limited financial resources. Twice annually, they participate in the National Food Collection, procure groceries from department stores, transport them to distribution points, and assist with delivery. The organization collaborates with the Department of Social Affairs of the Chrudim, Chrast, and Skuteč Municipal Authority.

https://www.potravinovebanky.cz/
http://www.potravinovabankapardubice.cz/
https://chrudim.charita.cz/kdo-jsme/
https://www.soprecr.cz/potravinova-pomoc
 

DIRECT SDGs:
SDG 1  Eliminate hunger among vulnerable populations.

INDIRECT SDGs:
SDG 3 Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for everybody

Justification:
SDG 1 Ensuring food security for all social demographics to prevent emergencies.

SDG 3 aims to provide social assistance to vulnerable groups and enhance their quality of life. 
 

1. What are food banks?
2. What is their purpose?
3. Who are their target beneficiaries? 

Ludmila Kabelová, Michaela Vachunová and Roxana Vachunová
Spolek absolventů a přátel zemědělské školy v Chrudimi z.s.