ZAEV Food Bank 2024-25
16 and 17 October - World Food Day and International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
Celebrating World Food Day on 16 October, to mark the anniversary of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations and celebrating International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on 17 October, declared by the United Nations General Assembly. By marking these days through this program of activities aimed at developing solutions in society, we will join the activities to achieve the Zero Hunger by 2030, as encouraged by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. One of the previously mentioned solutions will be the implementation of the concept of “Community Fridges” at certain locations in the municipality of Strumica (urban/rural areas). The “Community Fridges” will store food/beverages from the market surplus (will be available to all food producers, distributors, traders and caterers who want to donate their market surplus food/beverages), as well as available to all citizens who want to donate food or leftovers from their meals/drinks daily.
18 June - Sustainable Gastronomy Day
Celebrating Sustainable Gastronomy Day on June 18, through the realization of activities with a focus on the importance of consuming healthy food. Having in mind that the municipality of Strumica has the soil and climate advantages for competitive agricultural production, promotional stands with healthy food will be opened. With the opening of these promotional stands, access to locally produced and fresh food by family farmers will be provided, where the local farmers themselves will be present for the promotion and sale of their products.
The program will be implemented through the following initiatives:
- Community Food Swap Market: Organize a community food swap market where residents can exchange surplus garden produce, homemade preserves and pantry staples with each other, providing resources on food safety, storage and nutrition education at the event.
- Healthy Eating Challenges: Organize healthy eating challenges that promote nutritious food choices and meal planning strategies among participants, providing educational resources and cooking classes to encourage individuals and families to adopt healthier eating habits.
- Nutrition Outreach Events: Organize nutrition outreach events in partnership with healthcare providers, clinics and public health organizations to raise awareness about the importance of nutrition in preventing chronic diseases and promoting overall health.
- Sustainable Food Fair: Host a Sustainable Food Fair that showcases local food producers, artisans and sustainable food initiatives in the community, highlighting eco-friendly farming practices, ethical food sourcing and culinary innovations that promote environmental sustainability.
- Community Cooking Workshops: Facilitate community cooking workshops that focus on sustainable cooking techniques, zero-waste meal planning and plant-based cooking, empowering participants to reduce their environmental footprint, support local farmers and embrace a more sustainable approach to food consumption.
