To participate in the campaign, simply accept a bag from the Food Bank available in the stores involved and place “non-perishable foods” in it, such as milk, preserves, olive oil, sugar, flour and pasta.

The campaign's motto is “For more than 380 thousand Portuguese people, the best gift is your help”, in reference to the number of people served with food last year through 2,400 charities.

The president of the Portuguese Federation of Food Banks Against Hunger, Isabel Jonet, again appeals, cited in a statement, for the “solidarity, involvement and contribution” of the Portuguese “to improve the food shortage scenario that continues to plague many citizens and families in Portugal”.

“It is important not to forget that there are, unfortunately, people who need help to eat, especially at a time like Christmas, when the Christmas table is part of an idea of ​​happiness that we like to see come true”, says the person in charge in the statement, praising the Portuguese who join the campaigns "in a generous and enthusiastic way with volunteering and food, in a manifestation of solidarity that is renewed annually".

In addition to collecting food, the Ajuda Vale campaign also takes place in supermarkets and on the website www.alimentestaideia.pt, which allows you to support the cause from home or even when abroad.

For the fundraising campaign, the Food Banks "rely on the support of several companies and entities, which join the cause, providing equipment and services such as transport, advertising, communication, insurance, security and food”.

In 2023, 25,759 tons of food were collected, a high number, but still insufficient to help everyone in need.

The 21 Food Banks operating in Portugal “distributed 24,262 tons of food (with an estimated value of 39.4 million euros), in an average movement of 97 tons per working day”, in the form of baskets or cooked meals.

The Food Bank was created in Portugal in 1991 with the mission of fighting waste and distributing food support to those who need it most, in partnership with charities and based on voluntary work. The 21 that currently exist are part of the Portuguese Federation of Food Banks, which represents them nationally and internationally.