11 million meals were distributed to the disadvantaged in 2022 with assistance from the Food Centers in Norway. Frimat Norge distributed 77,000 food bags in the same year. – Unfortunately, we believe that the increase will continue, but hope that we can give a helping hand to those people who know that there is a little extra pressure, says Andreas Jølstad at Frimat Norge. Frimat has 13 food distribution points in Norway, distributed in Agder, Vestfold and Telemark, Møre and Romsdal and Trøndelag. – This is an increase of 30 per cent compared to 2021, says Jølstad, and corresponds to the development at the Food Centres. See figures for the increase at each individual Food Center further down in the article. Andreas Jølstad says that Frimat Norge is seeing a sharp increase in the number of requests for help. Photo: Kjetil Samuelsen / news The need doubled in nine months – Matsentralen Sør distributed 407,280 kilograms of surplus goods in 2022. This corresponds to over 800,000 meals, distributed to 38 different non-profit organizations in Agder. That’s what the general manager of Matsentralen Sør Christian Førland says. On a national basis, 34 per cent more food was distributed last year compared to the previous year. In the past, the largest recipient group has been substance abusers, says Førland. Christian Førland says that more and more people want help to put food on the table. Photo: Matsentralen Sør Marked increase in the number of inquiries With price increases and war in Europe, the composition of recipients has changed. – Towards the summer, Ukrainian refugees became one of the largest recipient groups, says Førland. A survey conducted by Matsentralen Sør in 2022 showed that the need for food bags increased from approximately 1,100 to 2,000 from January to September. – From the summer until Christmas, we have seen an ever-increasing influx from groups that have not been seen as much before. This applies, for example, to families with small children, single parents, students and pensioners, says Førland. Many people who manage well at other times of the year need an extra hand at Christmas. – Matsentralen Sør distributed 50 tonnes in both November and December. In 2021, we were at 35 and 32 tonnes for those months, says Førland. An insane need The Salvation Army is the largest non-profit organization that Matsentralen Sør works with. – This is going to Marvika in Kristiansand. Around 400 families come there every other Tuesday, says Nils Dypedal, a volunteer with the Salvation Army. Joachim Nordvik at Matsentralen Sør (left) helps Nils Dypedal, a volunteer with the Salvation Army, to load foodstuffs. Photo: Kjetil Samuelsen / news He says that the need is still enormous. – Potatoes are a beloved contribution. Our new compatriots like fruit and vegetables, says Dypedal. The bags mainly contain food, but hygiene items such as soap and toothbrushes can also be included. Elisabeth Thorsen in Help us to help Kristiansand shares Dypedal’s opinion about “a crazy need”. She praises the work of the Food Centre, and fears that without them the organization would not have been able to help everyone who seeks them out. – It shows that the system is wrong. It is wrong for volunteers to raise families. People go hungry, and nobody should do that in Norway, says Thorsen. Help us help get food delivered from Matsentralen Sør once a week. On Wednesday, they received three pallets of food, and on the same day 137 people stopped by for help. Elisabeth Thorsen believes there is something wrong with the system when volunteers have to give birth to families in Norway. Photo: Kjetil Samuelsen / news Food as more than a meal Matsentralen Innlandet began the distribution in June 2021, and has had a steady increase since then. – Last year was our first full year of operation, in addition to the fact that in 2022 we got more suppliers, explains project coordinator Malin Thoug about the enormous percentage increase. Thoug points to the social aspect of a meal. – For those who receive the food, the help is so much more than just food. When you have food, you can sit down and have a meal with your children. You might be able to afford a cinema ticket. Food is more than a meal, she says. Put the shame aside Both Matsentralen Sør and Innlandet boast of the volunteers who contribute weekly. At the same time, Førland believes that the real everyday heroes are the non-profit organisations. Have you received food in 2022? Yes No Haven’t done it yet, but I want to Show results – They are out in the field and doing an absolutely fantastic job. We form a well-functioning, good collaboration and have the capacity to receive even more. Førland and Thoug are keen to put the shame aside. – There is no shame in asking for help. Asking for a food bag can help through a week or month. You have to dare to pick up that phone, because it is completely safe, says Førland. They believe that the desire to help is great. Bread, frozen pizza, vegetables and yoghurt are among the items Joachim Nordvik packs at Matsentralen Sør. Photo: Kjetil Samuelsen / news – There are many people who probably do not come to the food distribution because they are afraid of what others will say or think. But we stand together in this, as a country and local community. By asking for help, you are guaranteed to meet someone who will help. It’s so hot out there, says Thoug. Frimat, Help us to help and Matsentralen Sør say they have the capacity to receive and distribute even more food. – This is the most rewarding job I’ve ever had. You are only met with a positive response wherever you go. There is incredible gratitude out there, and fantastic cooperation at all levels, says Førland.
ttn-69
– People go hungry, and no one should do that in Norway – news Sørlandet – Local news, TV and radio
