In Walloon Brabant, food aid is facing a double challenge: demand is rising sharply, by around 10% in recent years, while sources of supply are dwindling.

This is due in particular to a reduction in donations from supermarkets, but also to the fact that the European Social Fund - a major resource for the sector - will now offer only 10 products, compared with 25 in the past. Add to this the reduction in the tax deductibility of individual donations, and it's easy to understand the difficulties facing the sector.

To face up to these headwinds, 37 organizations, including social groceries, frigos solidaires, restos du coeur, CPAS etc., have decided to join forces and form a network, with the support of the Province. The network has a number of objectives: to improve supply, share best practices, pool resources, and speak with a single voice to political and other stakeholders.

Laurent Carra coordinates the network:

" We have already begun actively canvassing local players such as supermarkets, farmers and local producers, and we are considering the construction of a logistics platform in the heart of the region. the construction of a logistics platform in the east of Walloon Brabant, as there is already one in the west via Soli-dons or in the center with Apides in Court-Saint-Etienne."

In its fight against food waste, the ASBL is also counting on the support of private individuals. Either to make donations, or to get involved as a volunteer. Full details of how to join this new network can be found on the alimentraide.be website.

Source: www.rtbf.be/