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Food bank calls it a day as recipients reject donations
A food bank in Mechelen is to end its operations because people are becoming “too choosy” to eat donated food, organisers said. Volunteers with the non-profit SOS Hulpbetoon, which has been running for 35 years, organise food parcels for about 95 families every week.
In the case of many of the families receiving aid, the organisation said, the ingredients they receive, based on Belgian eating habits, are not suited to their usual way of cooking and end up being thrown away.
“There’s no gratitude any more,” a spokesperson for the group said. A recent free Christmas party saw only five families signing up, with a similar reaction to an organised trip to Bokrijk outdoor museum in Limburg.
“More and more food is being rejected, and not only pork but also basic products like rice. We find it later dumped at the station car park. It’s as if people come and pick up their food parcels while shopping for luxury goods. It’s not very encouraging.”
In addition to the dwindling attraction for needy families, the non-profit also faces losing its lease in 2018 due to the owner’s plans for redevelopment. So far, it’s been unable to find alternative premises for an affordable rent.
Other volunteer groups in Mechelen are considering taking on the organisation’s work, provided there are enough volunteers. One possibility, the Association of St Vincent, said it only served families in Mechelen itself – SOS Hulpbetoon also had clients in Duffel and Keerbergen – and had stricter criteria for assistance.
“Coming in the car to collect a food parcel from us is not possible,” a spokesperson said. “The people we help often have no more than €50 a week to live on.”
Photo courtesy Het Nieuwsblad
Comments
In another example of superficial reporting it is unclear whether the food bank is closing because it is losing its premises, or because of abuse, or maybe because it is providing the wrong food. I know "beggars can't be choosers" but it must be hard if you are not used to eating a certain type of food.
There is no excuse for people taking food and then dumping it. I would ban them from the food bank in future!
“The people we help often have no more than €50 a week to live on.”
Sure they do. That's why they are dumping food then? Food banks create their own demand.
If they can dump food, then they really do not need it! If you don't have enough to eat, then you will eat anything and everything. €50 a week is a hell of a lot of money. Some of us on a Belgian pension don't have that!!