Czech supermarkets to collect food donations this Saturday: How to help

Supermarkets across Czechia will collect food and hygiene products on Saturday, Nov. 14, as the nationwide Sbírka potravin (Food Collection) returns to help people facing financial hardship ahead of winter.

The autumn collection will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at participating stores, giving residents an opportunity to support vulnerable households while doing their regular grocery shopping.

Organized by the Czech Federation of Food Banks and its partners, the initiative supports single-parent families, older people living alone, and households experiencing financial difficulties.

Participating retailers include Albert, Billa, Lidl, Kaufland, Tesco, Penny, Globus, COOP, Makro, dm and Teta drogerie, alongside several smaller chains.

Not every branch is participating, so shoppers are encouraged to check the official store locator before visiting.

Donating is straightforward: customers purchase an additional nonperishable food item or hygiene product during their regular shopping trip and hand it to volunteers stationed beyond the checkout area.

Volunteers can be identified by their green aprons displaying the Sbírka potravin logo. Some stores will instead provide designated collection boxes.

Food banks are particularly seeking long-lasting essentials that can be safely stored and distributed.

Recommended donations include canned vegetables, meat and ready meals, rice, pasta, lentils, cooking oil, long-life milk, instant soups and baby food.

Basic hygiene products, household cleaning supplies and baby diapers are also in demand.

According to the Czech Federation of Food Banks, donated goods will be distributed through regional food banks to hundreds of charitable and social organizations supporting people in need.

Residents unable to participate in person can contribute through selected online retailers, including Rohlík.cz, Košík.cz, Tesco and Teta drogerie.

The online collection runs from Nov. 10 to Nov. 24, although some retailers, including dm, have shorter participation periods.

Customers can purchase virtual donation packages or contribute through their online shopping orders, allowing food banks to obtain essential supplies.

Full details about participating stores, recommended products and online contributions are available on the Sbírka potravin website.