Between 2019 and 2020, the number of beneficiaries at the Food Banks has already increased by 17 percent. This strong increase was mainly due to the corona crisis. Between 2020 and 2021, another 1 percent was added. “This increase seems minimal, but on the ground it amounts to an increase of almost 2,000 beneficiaries per month,” said Jef Mottar, managing director of the Federation of Belgian Food Banks, at VRT NWS.
Moreover, it appears that supermarkets donated about 11 percent less food surpluses to the Food Banks in 2021. To compensate for the decrease, the Food Banks bought food themselves. Nearly 10 percent of the more than 22,000 tons of food distributed was eventually purchased.
Many people in need will have to choose between food or heating.
The Food Banks expect the number of beneficiaries to rise further in 2022, mainly due to rising energy prices: “Many people in need will have to choose between food or heating”. That is why the federation is once again asking the federal government for support. “No additional budgets could lead to food shortages,” said Mottar.