Artur Lima announces special support for São Miguel Food Bank
Ponta Delgada
Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional
The Vice-President of the Regional Government of the Azores, Artur Lima, announced today in Ponta Delgada the allocation of special support amounting to €12,579.84 to the São Miguel Food Bank Against Hunger to cover the shortage of products that make up the food basket.
"In the current context, there is a reduction in products that must be addressed. Luísa César called us about this situation and I promptly came here, precisely to say that the Government is available to intensify collaboration," with a view to improving support for the Food Bank so that "the Azorean families do not lack anything," said the government official at the end of his visit to the Food Bank's premises.
"While the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAC) is not operational, we are available to support the Food Bank," he said.
Artur Lima also recalled that the Regional Government supported this institution in 2022 by allocating more than 190 thousand Euros for the regular purchase of food as well for operating and staff costs.
After meeting with Luísa César, President of the São Miguel Food Bank Against Hunger, Artur Lima stressed that the Government is fulfilling its responsibilities, calling for the involvement of companies, local authorities and Azoreans in general in the cause of the Food Bank.
"I call on companies, other institutions and municipalities to also collaborate with the Bank," especially at this time of "special need," as it is necessary to "assist families facing difficulties," he said.
The Vice-President also highlighted that the Vice-Presidency of the Government supported the "Network of Backyards" in 2021. This project was developed by the São Miguel Food Bank with the aim of encouraging social support beneficiaries to grow agri-food products for their own consumption.
"I am pleased that the "Backyard Network " has worked out very well. It is a process that we will further develop because it is very interesting for families," he stressed.
In 2021, the Vice-Presidency of the Government entered into a partnership with the São Miguel Food Bank Against Hunger for the development of this project, having granted a financial allocation of 28 thousand Euros.
