18,000 volunteers to take part in Catalonia's biggest annual food drive

The biggest annual food drive in Catalonia kicked off today in supermarkets and is expected to raise two tonnes of food donations.   

Around 18,000 volunteers will take part in the 15th edition of the Gran Recapte food drive, organized by the main food bank in Catalonia, El Banc dels Aliments.  

Donations will be collected in supermarkets throughout Catalonia and citizens are asked to donate non-perishable food, such as cooking oil, milk, pasta and rice. 

Last year’s edition raised €6.3 million and organizers are asking citizens to donate and try to equal or even increase the amount raised.  

They say that despite the difficult economic situation, the public will once again show solidarity with those in need.

The food drive comes at a time when essential products such as milk, rice, eggs, tomatoes, or olive oil have increased by 30% in just two years, and 24% of people living in Catalonia ar at risk of poverty. 

In addition to in-store donations, cash donations will also be accepted and can be made through the Gran Recapte website until December 15.