Proposal by Sósíalistaflokks Íslands in the city council regarding a food bank

Today, Sanna Magdalena Mörtudóttir put forward a proposal by Sósíalistaflokks Íslands regarding a food bank. Here you can see the proposal in its entirety:

In order that no one in the city needs to live with hunger and helplessness, it is proposed that Reykjavíkurborg establish a food bank for those in need of food. The situation of many is often such that they are in need of food due to poverty, unemployment, temporary difficulties, or other circumstances that result in the individual not having food. Although aid organizations provide food assistance, the need is great, and their assistance is not always sufficient. It is necessary to respond to the situation and ensure that no one in the city is without food. The Department of Welfare shall be tasked with setting up the food bank and seeking advice and/or cooperation from non-governmental organizations with experience in the matter. It is desirable that the food banks be in more than one location in the city so that residents do not have to travel long distances to access food, and that they be in proximity to transport hubs. Emphasis is placed on the food bank offering diverse, nutritious food that serves different needs. Emphasis will be on individuals being able to choose their own food, according to what is available. The food bank will also include household necessities such as toilet paper, personal hygiene products, diapers, and can openers that individuals can take with them.

Rationale: Everyone's income should be sufficient to live a dignified life throughout the month, every month of the year, but unfortunately, the situation in our society is not such. As a result, many find themselves in a situation of being without food and helpless. Aid organizations have assisted many over time with food donations and gift cards for grocery stores, and food donations have also occurred through social media, where individuals help others in need. Despite this, such efforts are not sufficient, as the need is great, and it is necessary to respond to that need. Therefore, it is proposed that Reykjavíkurborg establish facilities for this purpose.

Food banks are a response that protects people from hunger and seeks to ensure that everyone in need of food due to a poor economic situation can obtain it. Here it is proposed that Reykjavíkurborg establish food banks in more than one location in the city and seek cooperation and/or advice from non-governmental organizations with experience in the matter. Here, important insights into the issue and important voices regarding implementation and setup could, among other things, come from the organization PEPP Ísland, an organization for people in poverty.

Diverse, nutritious, and satisfying food is an essential part of food banks, and it is important that the food available can serve the different needs of those who may come there. For example, it is important to consider allergies and intolerances and ensure that sufficient baby food is always available. When individuals live in poverty, the cheapest food is often chosen, which is usually not the most nutritious. Here it is proposed that individuals and families can come to the food bank and choose their own food, according to what is available, instead of it being predetermined what each person receives for distribution. This way, it can be ensured that the needs of individuals and families are met each time, based on the selection available in the food bank.

It is also proposed that the food banks offer household necessities, as when individuals experience economic hardship, items like toilet paper and personal hygiene products are often neglected. It has also been pointed out that much of the food available in food banks is canned food, and therefore it is important to offer can openers, as such are not available in all homes. These and other factors are important to consider when working to set up a food bank and meet the needs of those who are in a poor economic situation and may even be coming from difficult circumstances with nothing.

It should be noted that, unfortunately, the majority rejected this proposal by the Socialist Party, which is regrettable because it is clear that food banks in the city would have been extremely beneficial for many. But we will not give up and will continue to fight for the conditions of the worst off.