Bangkok opens 50th food bank, delivering 2 million meals to needy

Bangkok’s 50th food bank centre opened on Monday, September 9, in Saphan Sung district, marking a significant milestone for the Bangkok Food Bank initiative, which has already delivered over 2 million meals to those in need.

City governor Chadchart Sittipunt led the inauguration at the Saphan Sung district office, fulfilling the project’s objective of establishing a food bank in each of Bangkok’s districts.

The Bangkok Food Bank collects surplus food and distributes it to vulnerable populations for free. The food is provided in a minimart-like setting where recipients can select the items they need, according to the organisation’s website.

Chadchart highlighted that the project has distributed more than 2 million meals, equating to about 500,000 kilogrammes of food, to registered vulnerable groups across the city.

“To maintain the project’s sustainability, we must have the trust of the people who donate to the bank, that their donation will reach the hands of people who need it.

“We also allow people to investigate the process. This project is not just about me, but is about cooperation by all sectors.”

Chadchart also pointed out that many Bangkok residents still lack access to adequate food, despite half of all produced food being surplus. The project aims to bridge this gap by efficiently transferring food and other essentials to those in need, reported Bangkok Post.

People interested in donating or seeking assistance can locate their nearest centre through the website BKK Food Bank – Greener Bangkok or by contacting any district office.

In related news, homeless individuals in Bangkok’s Trok Sake have been accused of reselling donated food parcels, prompting social media outcry. Reports emerged on August 29, warning those planning to donate food to be cautious, as some homeless groups have been intercepting and reselling the food.

In other news, drama unfolded over the distribution of donated meal boxes to flood victims in Nan province on August 23. A heated debate arose after a member of the Facebook group, Original Nan Community Market posted about their frustrating experience trying to obtain food aid.