The 18th edition of the Food Bank's Great Collection was presented today in Cambrils with the attendance of Mayor Oliver Klein; Councillor for Health and Social Inclusion, Gemma Balanyà; and representatives from the organizing entities: Dolors Sabaté and Àngels Canadell (Càritas) and Víctor Mangrané (Red Cross). The food drive will take place on November 13th and 14th at nine locations across the municipality, including eight supermarkets and the municipal brigade's warehouse.
This solidarity movement, one of Catalonia's largest, aims to ensure dignified food for vulnerable people. This year, the campaign specifically addresses "new poverty" caused by the rising cost of living, which has led thousands of working families to rely on food donations. The initiative, promoted by the Food Bank with the slogan "So big, only you are missing", is held simultaneously throughout Catalonia. In Cambrils, it is managed by Càritas Santa Maria, Càritas Sant Pere, and the Red Cross, with support from the Inclusion department and the Cambrils Municipal Brigade.
Over a hundred volunteers will participate in the collection at supermarkets and the logistics center. Additionally, 3rd-year ESO students from the Cambrils and Ramon Berenguer IV institutes will assist with collections at supermarkets and assembling food parcels at the warehouse.
Mayor Oliver Klein highlighted the volunteers' efforts, the work of the organizations, and the solidarity of Cambrils' citizens. Councillor Gemma Balanyà confirmed that food collected in Cambrils will remain within the municipality to support the 150 families served monthly by the collaborating entities. Representatives from the organizations emphasized the need for all types of food items, particularly long-life, canned, and pre-cooked products.
Physical collection points include l'Esclat, two BonÀrea stores, Garcia Vicent, three Spar stores, and Condis. The Municipal Brigade's warehouse will also serve as a collection space open to all citizens for direct donations. Financial donations can also be made through the website www.granrecapte.org, via Bizum 33596, or through the Great Collection's digital supermarket.
