The Bilbao City Council and the Banco de Alimentos de Bizkaia are joining forces for the 14th edition of the "LA GRAAAAAAAAAAN RECOGIDA" campaign, with the goal of supplementing the food supply for vulnerable individuals in Bizkaia. The annual initiative requires 4,000 volunteers to participate across all major supermarkets and retail outlets in Bizkaia.
This weekend, Friday November 13th and Saturday November 14th, volunteers from the Banco de Alimentos will be present in supermarkets and large stores to guide and encourage customers to contribute. This solidarity activity has been ongoing since 1995 for those in need.
“"Pretendemos mantener este esfuerzo continuado gracias a las miles de personas que nos ayudan y se vuelcan con esta iniciativa cada año, porque nuestra tarea sigue siendo necesaria. No dudamos de la respuesta de la sociedad bilbaina y vizcaina"
Teresa Viguri, vicepresident of the Banco de Alimentos de Bizkaia, emphasized that "our task remains necessary" and they "do not doubt the response of the Bilbao and Bizkaia society." She noted that "this year, with the increase in all prices and the significant rise in the cost of the shopping basket, we want to help many people, including those who, despite not being in the most visible margins of social exclusion, find it very difficult to make ends meet."
“"la ciudadanía de Bilbao va de nuevo a responder de forma notable a este reto que nos lanza el Banco de Alimentos. Así también construimos una Villa más justa, solidaria y humana; una Bilbao mejor, donde nadie se quede atrás"
Juan Ibarretxe, Councilor for Social Action of the Bilbao City Council, thanked everyone involved and expressed confidence that "the citizens of Bilbao will once again respond notably to this challenge posed by the Banco de Alimentos." He added, "This is how we also build a fairer, more solidary, and more humane Villa; a better Bilbao, where no one is left behind."
Last year, 2025, 235,000 kg of food and €405,000 were collected. Contributions can be made by directly handing over food to volunteers at the establishments or through donations at the checkout when paying for purchases. The collected funds are deposited in the Food Chain, and the Banco de Alimentos acquires the necessary items as needed.
Participating as a volunteer is easy, with just three hours of commitment encouraging customers. Registration can be done by calling 747 454 396 or emailing colectas@bancali-biz.org. For donations via Bizum, the designated number is 38037.
