On May 14, Bernard Valluis (the President of FEBA) presented an overview of the European model of food banking at the press conference “Food Donor Day: International and European Food Security Standards and the Development of Food Banking in Ukraine”, organised by the Ukrainian Food Banks Federation. Aleš Slavíček (the Chairman of Česká Federace Potravinových Bank) joined the conference to share the experience of Czech food banking and the practical side of the partnership with the government. FEBA team member Sofiia Vara participated in the on-site discussion as part of her three-day visit to the country.
High-level Representation to Discuss the Needs and Support for Ukrainian Food Banking
The event brought together members and partners of the network, together with governmental representation and ambassadors, to discuss the current challenges for food banking in Ukraine. The round table discussion highlighted the need to improve food donation legislation and introduce tax incentives for donors, alongside strengthening partnerships between the government, businesses, and civil society.
The discussion received wide attention in Ukrainian media across the country, demonstrating the importance of the meeting.
A Three-day Visit to Meet the Stakeholders
From 13 to 15 May, Sofiia Vara visited Ukraine in person to meet the key stakeholders involved in food assistance and food donation initiatives.
During the three-day visit, discussions focused on both strategic and operational aspects of food bank development. As part of the programme, Sofiia Vara met with the representatives of the Food Industry Committee of the European Business Association (EBA). The meeting focused on food donations and legislative advocacy initiatives led by the Ukrainian Food Banks Federation. Participants highlighted the importance of improving the legislative framework for food donations and strengthening cooperation between businesses, civil society organisations, and public authorities to reduce food waste and support vulnerable communities.
Furthermore, the agenda included a visit to the Food Truck, a special project of UFBF, which provides food assistance and support to people affected by the ongoing humanitarian situation. This initiative demonstrates the important role of coordinated food aid efforts and the commitment of local teams and volunteers working to support communities in need.
FEBA Continues Its Efforts to Support Ukraine
The participation in the press conference and the visit reaffirm FEBA’s commitment to supporting the development of food banking in Ukraine.
