Lithuania’s food drive collects over 316,000 products for those in need

A weekend food donation campaign organised by Maisto bankas (Food Bank) collected more than 316,000 long-shelf-life food items worth over €500,000, the organisation announced Monday.

Though the drive fell slightly short of its 350,000-item target, it became one of the largest spring collections in the campaign’s history, according to a statement. Contributions included 50,548 items gathered earlier through the initiative Pasirašyk geriems darbams (Sign Up for Good Deeds) in schools and kindergartens. Retail chains Iki and Lidl also pledged to add 10% of the total food donated in their stores.

Simon Gurevičius, head of Maisto bankas, noted that spring drives typically yield fewer donations than autumn events, making this year’s result exceptional in both public generosity and business involvement. “This campaign once again shows what we can achieve together,” he said, thanking donors and volunteers, as well as the retail partners for their additional support. “Combined with the school collections, we’ve even surpassed our goal.”

The majority of the food will soon be distributed across Lithuania’s regions. Nearly 89,000 residents participated, with the average donation basket valued at €5.64. This year’s most frequently donated items included pasta, groats, oil, and canned meat and fish.

The collection took place in 75 towns and villages, with over 7,000 volunteers assisting in the effort.