News

18 / 06 / 2024

At the occasion of its Annual Convention in Prague from June 19th to June 21st, the European Food Banks Federation (FEBA), unite representatives from 30 European countries under the theme “Building Sustainable Futures” to discover possibilities of reinforcing the foodbanking system in Europe. 

Prague, June 18, 2024 – At the occasion of its Annual Convention in Prague from June 19th to June 21st, the European Food Banks Federation (FEBA), unite representatives from 30 European countries under the theme “Building Sustainable Futures” to discover possibilities of reinforcing the foodbanking system in Europe. 

Hosted by Česká Federace Potravinových Bank, this year’s Annual Convention will be the opportunity for all Food Banks of the network to learn from its experience as it celebrates its 30 years anniversary. “We are glad that Czech Food Banks are part of such a community as FEBA. Many years of experience, an innovative approach and a diverse perspective on the issue of Food Banks are a great inspiration for us. Thanks to this, we have recently managed to launch the Food Distribution Points in the Czech Republic, where we distribute food directly to people in 200 cities across the country. We are pleased with the interest of our European colleagues and their close cooperation. The Convention will be the occasion for sharing our experience, the excellent cooperation with the State, the non-profit sector and retailers we have in the Czech Republic.” quoted Aleš Slavíček, chairman of the Česká Federace Potravinových Bank.

Key discussions will go around the topics of Policy making, Data Collection and Analysis, Social and Environmental Impact of the foodbanking, engaging new audiences and stakeholders and increasing the capacities of the Food Banks in Europe.

General Mills, Tesco and UPS as strategic partners for FEBA

Supported by three long-term partners—Tesco, General Mills, and UPS—the Annual Convention serves as an opportunity for these companies to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening their partnership with European Food Banks. This collaboration aims to enhance efforts in food waste prevention and providing food assistance to those in need.

“We are proud that Tesco is supporting FEBA Members across Europe for many years through donating free of charge unsold food, organizing store and online food collections and volunteering activities of Tesco employees within networks of our national members. This is an excellent example of long-standing partnership which is fighting for the sustainable future today” declared Michal Vaňáček, Tesco Stores ČR.

Jacques Vandenshrik, President of FEBA, emphasized the urgency of their work, citing the increasing number of people seeking food assistance and the need for collective action.

“The work we do with our partners is essential more than ever. Experts across Europe are reporting dramatic increases in people resorting to food assistance.  We thank our partners.  This social, human and environmental challenge, common to each country in Europe, needs robust actions from all stakeholders”

General Mills and FEBA launch an innovation award in favor of food security

General Mills has committed to renewing its partnership with FEBA.  A long-standing partner across several European countries, General Mills was notably the first company to partner with the Federation during the pandemic outbreak, giving support to their COVID-19 Social Emergency Fund.

At the occasion of the 2024 convention, General Mills and FEBA go the extra mile and launch FEBA’s Innovation Grant. Open to all Food Banks across Europe, this award will fund and support the most innovative projects in favor of food security and reducing food waste.

"The partnership and ties between General Mills and FEBA run deep and have been going on for more than 10 years. Against the deepening inflation, our partnerships with these essential organizations are more critical than ever. We are dedicated to contributing to their efforts to combat food insecurity and reduce food waste, ensuring that surplus food reaches the communities that need it most", Jonathan Bennett, External Relations Director at General Mills (Europe & Australia)

UPS stands in favour of Food Banks in Europe

For the past two years, UPS, through its philanthropic arm The UPS Foundation, has been supporting FEBA's mission. It is through initiatives like these that UPS aims to achieve its goal of positively influencing the lives of one billion people by 2040 through their commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, volunteerism, and charitable giving.

"Addressing food insecurity and affordability and reducing food waste is a cause that resonates deeply among UPS employees. UPS has regularly organized volunteer activities with Food Banks across Europe for years. It's immensely gratifying for us to contribute to this crucial work, and we eagerly anticipate witnessing the results of our combined efforts that will positively impact thousands of lives." - Nicolo Sgreva, UPS EMEAI Community Relations Director.