After significant increases over the past decade, the number of people relying on food banks remained high in 2024, the Belgian Federation of Food Banks (FBBA) highlighted at its annual press conference on Friday.
In 2024, around 209,000 Belgian residents sought help each month from one of the 698 associations affiliated with food banks. This was slightly lower than in 2023, when the number of beneficiaries per month averaged about 214,000.
However, the FBBA notes that the number of beneficiaries has shot up by 50% over the past ten years.
“Faced with inflation, more and more people in need are on their knees,” the federation stated.
In 2024, approximately 26,000 tonnes of food were distributed to member associations, equating to some 52 million meals.
The Federation notes a continued decline in food donations from the food industry and fish auctions.
To ensure the weekly distribution of five balanced meals to each beneficiary, the FBBA purchased 1,600 tonnes of food, thanks to financial support from private and public donors.
Although pleased with the initiatives announced in the new federal government’s agreement to stimulate donations, including tax incentives, the FBBA urges it to extend financial compensation for the reduced European Social Fund Plus (FSE+) budgets of 2024 and 2025, to 2026 and 2027.
“More than ever, we need support from businesses, individuals, and public authorities," noted FBBA President Piet Vanthemsche. "Whether it’s food donations, financial contributions, or long-term volunteering, every bit of help counts to support families in need.”
