First Food Bank established in Romania with the support of the Romanian Orthodox Church

Aurelian Iftimiu –Basilica News Agency -15/12/16

The Local Food Bank Project in Bucharest’s Sector 6 was launched Wednesday, 7 December 2016, at Golescu-Grant Centre for Recreation and Personal Development. The General Directorate of Social Assistance and Child Protection (DAGSP) in Sector 6 implements the project, in partnership with Sector 6 branch of Diaconia Association.

The event was attended by the Mayor of Sector 6, Mr Gabriel Mutu, the General Manager of DAGSP Sector 6, Mrs Gabriela Schmutzer, and the dean of Sector 6 Deanery, Archpriest Costel Burlacu.

The Local Food Bank in Sector 6 is the first institution of this type established by a local authority in Romania, in accordance with the principles of the European Federation of Food Banks (FEBA), a EU Platform that brings together 70 organizations, being focused on fighting food waste and on calling for solidarity across Europe.

Mayor Gabriel Mutu pointed out that the Romanian Orthodox Church provided the land (5000 sq.m.) on which the Local Food Bank will carry out its activities.

This Local Food Bank in Sector 6 meets the food needs of disadvantaged people, single mothers with children, elderly, unemployed or disabled persons.

In his turn, Archpriest Costel Burlacu recalled the significance of December 7, being the day when the merciful Saint Philotheia of Argeș is celebrated. He went on saying that the Romanian Orthodox Church is concerned with the needs of people.

Over 35,000 vulnerable persons in the community are estimated to receive food through the Local Food Bank in Sector 6.

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