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2
ISSUES CONCERNING FOOD
“Food waste is a reality in Taiwan
and reducing it has become a major
challenge. In 2014, 1.5% of the
population were living below the
poverty line, while 275 million tonnes
of food are thrown away every year
(1)
.
Given this situation, Food Banks must
be able to identify those who are
vulnerable and make sure that they
regularly receive sufficient food, of
good quality, while maintaining health
and safety norms. Key issues here are
conservation of the products
and respect of the cold chain.
Taiwan certainly has some catching
up to do. We had to wait until 2010
to see the first structures appear to
recuperate unsold food from bakeries.
Until then, the aid offered to the very
poor was essentially financial. But
public opinion in Taiwan has also
evolved since then, realising just how
much food could serve as a positive
springboard to get out of exclusion.
Since 2010, 325 distribution centres
for “1919” Food Banks have opened,
spread over 22 towns and cities in
Taiwan.
The aid primarily targets marginalised
families who get no assistance from
the government. Today they make up
70% of our beneficiaries. Since 2011,
nearly 70,000 food parcels have been
distributed.
We are well aware that there is still a
long way to go. Legislation to facilitate
and regulate food aid is currently
being drafted. The government, private
businesses and the general public
now need to get involved to optimise
the outreach of our actions.”
(1) Source: TEPA (Taiwan Environmental Protection
Administration).
TAIWAN
FOODBANKS
In 2014,
the Carrefour
Foundation
coordinated
the second
international
FoodBank
collection, which
mobilised over
2,300Carrefour
stores in
10 countries.
The first time
that Carrefour
Taiwan
participated,
nearly 30 tonnes
of merchandise
were collected
in 69 stores
across the
country, or the
equivalent of
60,000 meals.
“Giving those
in difficulty
access to
quality food
is a response to
a basic need.”
”TheFoodBanks
havea role toplay
inestablishing
a virtuous cycle for
those ingreatest
need.”
Interview with
Grace Cheng
Vice-President of the
Chinese Christian
Relief Association
TAIWAN