Between 4 and 6 April, Romanians are invited to join one of the largest and most valuable solidarity initiatives in the country – Easter edition of the national food collectionorganized by Federation of Food Banks in Romania (FBAR)in partnership with PENNY
and with the support of the 9 regional banks.
On the verge of Easter holidays, when the tables turn into moments of joy and communion, the national collection offers the opportunity to carry this joy in the houses of the least lucky. Through a simple gesture-the donation of non-perishable basic foods in Penny stores throughout the country-each of us can contribute to combating hunger and supporting vulnerable communities.
A national network of solidarity
The campaign is active in all 417 Penny stores From Romania, where customers can donate basic foods such as oil, flour, rice, cans, pasta, biscuits, cereals, sweets or children’s products. In the area of the cash registers, special collection baskets were located, and dedicated volunteers are present in each location to provide information and encourage involvement.
At the local levelthe campaign is coordinated by those 9 banks for food From Bucharest, Cluj, Roman, Oradea, Brașov, Timișoara, Constanța, Craiova and Galați. These centers ensure collection, sorting and distributing food to Partner NGOswhich offers further to people in difficulty.
Education through good deeds
The national food collection is not just a charitable action – it is also a civic education tool. The campaign aims to create a culture of responsibility and solidarity among the population, encouraging people to understand the concrete impact that an apparently small gesture can have.
For young people, in particular, participating in this campaign – either as donors or volunteers – can become a valuable life lesson. Involving in support of others develops empathy, confidence in one’s own strengths and a desire to contribute to the common good.
Results that give hope
Previous editions of the national food collection have shown that solidarity is a real force. At the 2024 Easter edition, were collected 95.8 tons of fooddistributed to 151 partner NGOswhich supports over 23,000 vulnerable people.
At the Christmas collection, the involvement was even more impressive: 403 Penny stores were part of the campaign, and the result was a total donation of 166.8 tons of food by 200 NGOs. This growth reflects an increasing interest in people for solidarity actions and proves that partnerships between the private and non-governmental sectors can generate real changes in the community.
Penny – Strategic partner for a more fair Romania
Of 2022, Penny is a strategic partner of the Federation of Food Banksbeing actively involved in organizing the two annual campaigns-Easter and Christmas-but also in constant actions to reduce food waste. A significant step taken in 2024 was the extension of the food retrieval program near the expiration, but still good for consumption – an initiative with real impact for people in need.
Through these steps, Penny supports Sustainable development goals – reducing hunger, poverty and promoting responsible consumption.
Easter is a holiday of rebirth and hope. What more right time to bring light into the lives of those who need it? The national food collection gives you the chance to turn a regular gesture-shopping-into an act of kindness. Whether you choose to donate some products, or you want to join as a volunteer, your contribution matters.
This article was made with Penny support.
