The Hungarian Animal Protection Food Bank (Magyar Állatvédelmi Élelmiszerbank)—the only initiative of its kind in Europe—has launched operations. Its goal is to rescue surplus products intended for animal feed and redistribute them to animal welfare organizations, social institutions, and local governments in need.
The initiative aims to reduce animal hunger in shelters, animal control facilities, and private households, founder Bence Lajos said at a press conference in Székesfehérvár on Thursday. The head of the food bank noted that he has been working in animal welfare for over 10 years and has observed that, for dedicated shelters and animal rescuers, the greatest obstacle is often not a lack of will, but a lack of resources. That is why they established the Hungarian Animal Protection Food Bank Foundation.
He noted that although the foundation was launched in Székesfehérvár (town in central Hungary), it operates throughout the country, and
among its future goals is to expand the initiative to the European level, as it is currently unique even on a European scale.
He stated that they currently have approximately 120 metric tons of animal feed, which is stored free of charge at the G.E.B.E. Kft. warehouse in Székesfehérvár. In the future, they would also like to donate dietary supplements, medical devices, or medications.
Curator Adrienn Hornyik noted that “work done for animals is never the success of a single person or organization, but rather the result of collaboration.” She believes that while there is plenty of good will, expertise, and a desire to act in the field of animal protection in Hungary, there is often a lack of the infrastructure that can provide security, predictability, and long-term support.
This is what the foundation aims to provide, while reducing waste and supporting sustainable operations by rescuing animal feed that would otherwise be destroyed but is still safe for use.
Mayor András Cser-Palkovics highlighted the following regarding this much-needed initiative: food banks established to feed people have long played a key role in certain forms of aid, but until now, no such option existed for animals. He expressed his delight that, thanks to a generous donation from a company, another 200 metric tons of feed will arrive at the warehouse within days to be added to the existing 120 metric tons, allowing the aid organization to begin its operations with great momentum.
Gábor Dömsödi, the executive director of logistics company G.E.B.E. Kft., emphasized that they have long been strong supporters of animal shelters, hence there was no question that they would stand behind this cause. The Hungarian Animal Protection Food Bank benefits everyone involved, as food manufacturers do not have to destroy their products, and animal shelters can make use of the feed, he added. He noted that they have more than 20,000 square meters of warehouse space and will always have 200 pallets’ worth of empty storage space available for food intended for animals.
Via MTI, Featured image: Pexels
