Africa-Press – Angola. The number of needy people benefiting from the action of the Food Bank of Angola rose from 1,700, in 2022, to 2,000 this year, assisting 26 charities in four provinces.
Known by the acronym BAA, it is a private, non-profit social solidarity institution that has been collecting, for over 13 years, food items for free distribution in some reception centers and foundations in the country that support people in need.
In an interview today, Tuesday, the Bank’s president, Henrique Nunes, made it known that the number of beneficiaries has gradually grown, especially after the celebration of a new partnership with the OMATAPALO Group, in 2023, which allowed the extension its action for Lubango.
Currently, according to the source, they operate in Cabinda, Luanda, Benguela and Huíla, where through campaigns they collect food inside commercial areas, through offers from customers.
Regarding the impact of his action on communities, Henrique Nunes stated that by providing food to reception centers, orphanages, nursing homes and other social support institutions, he guarantees that vulnerable populations have access to nutritious meals.
“Collecting food that would otherwise be wasted and redistributing it to those who need it helps not only to reduce waste, but also to promote a circular economy”, he highlighted.
Another element of impact, the source pointed out, has to do with promoting the spirit of solidarity and active citizenship, because when the BAA mobilizes hundreds of volunteers in each campaign, it strengthens social cohesion and provides them with an opportunity to contribute to the well-being of their communities.
The scarcity of financial resources and the difficulties in mobilizing volunteers, especially when trying to expand to other aspects of combating hunger, such as creating community kitchens, are the main challenges that the Bank faces, according to its president.
“That’s why we take the opportunity here to appeal to economic groups, large companies that have social solidarity policies on their horizon and to businesspeople, in particular, to embrace this cause so that they can help build a safer, healthier and more sustainable future. for all communities in Angola”, he expressed.
Since the beginning of its activity, 13 years ago, the BAA located the first seven institutions that gradually saw its number grow, and today there are 26, the reception centers distributed across the provinces of Luanda, Benguela, Huíla, Cabinda.
He highlighted that support is provided throughout the year, between six and seven deliveries to registered reception centers, based on products received in the two food collection campaigns and some extra donations.
The criteria for selecting beneficiaries, according to the interviewee, looks at institutions that have already been in operation for a few years, have internships and are of some size.
For the near or medium-term future, Henrique Nunes said he aspires to have an Angola Food Bank as an institution recognized for its efficiency, transparency and impact on combating hunger and promoting food security in Angola.
According to the United Nations Fund for Agriculture (FAO), one in five Africans has difficulty obtaining food or does not obtain food at all and Angola is not excluded from this statistic.
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