Impact of pandemic empties Czech food banks, nationwide collection set for November 21

Restrictions imposed due to the state of emergency imposed by the government in an attempt to control the coronavirus pandemic has made life financially difficult for many single and young families, as well as affecting the elderly. In some regions, as many as 50 percent of people affected turn to non-profit organizations for basic food needs. In some cases, food banks no longer have enough supplies in their warehouses to meet demand.

Young families often got into trouble as well. "It often happens that a mother is on maternity leave and the father works in a restaurant. Suddenly, the family loses their only income," Láchová described. Food banks are reporting the crisis situation mostly in Central and Western Bohemia, South Bohemian and Ústí nad Labem.

The nationwide food collection set for Nov 21 should help stock up reserves. The spring food collection, which was to create reserves in warehouses for the coming months, was cancelled due to the state of emergency back in March. The success of this current food drive will depend in part on what restrictions will be in place due to the pandemic.

"Currently, we are mainly dealing with how many volunteers can be involved to make it sustainable from a safety point of view. Despite the fact that we have prepared protective gear for 4,000 volunteers, we already know that there will not be enough and it may not even be possible to do it,” Láchová told Práva.

Altogether, an estimated 130,000 people will be fed in the Czech Republic from food banks this year. Donated food is supplied to more than 800 organizations, such as shelters, low-threshold clubs, Hope, and the Salvation Army.