The work of the Bizkaia Food Bank at its main warehouse in Basauri was highlighted by Minister Nerea Melgosa and Director Itziar de La Peña. Daily, from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM, approximately 60 volunteers (rotating to a total of 177) are responsible for collecting, classifying, storing, and dispatching incoming food. With the help of eight vans, they collect products nearing their expiration date from around 50 different supermarkets daily, including dairy, fruits, vegetables, and meat.
Once received, they begin preparing food parcels for distribution to families with the greatest need. In addition to space for fresh produce, they have storage areas for pasta, oil, tomato products, and milk, as well as four large freezers.
The Food Bank maintains direct contact with 142 charitable associations, which are responsible for distribution throughout the territory. These organizations distribute food in a planned manner among social canteens, shelters, and needy families.
Minister of Social Welfare, Youth, and Demographic Challenge, Nerea Melgosa, stated that the financial aid provided by the department to the Bizkaia Food Bank strengthens community action. "They form a dignified, strong, generous, and exemplary network of solidarity in Bizkaia, and they will always have the Basque Government by their side. The work they do is immense; they strive to ensure that good quality food and hygiene products reach every home, and furthermore, all the people working there are volunteers. They are our most precious treasure, and we will always be ready to support and help them because volunteers are the foundation of our community," Melgosa remarked.
Members of the Food Bank mentioned that the association's objective is to supplement the daily needs of families, not to represent their entire food supply. They also emphasized the need for more volunteers, for whom the email address voluntariado@bancali-biz.org is available.
