The cost of meals distributed by the parish of Senhora da Conceição in Porto amounts to an investment of 1.62 million euros, a significant increase from the 1.17 million euros recorded in 2023, according to information released today.
The institution notes that “food support accounts for about two-thirds (68.4%) of the entire investment made in meals available in the city (excluding Social Security).”
The municipal volunteer network totaled 23,660 hours of work specifically for meal distribution rounds, up from 16,385 hours spent in 2023.
“Fuel expenses amount to 43,024 euros” and the “distance covered was 357,000 kilometers, equivalent to 8.9 trips around the Earth.”
In total, the city’s support network for the homeless comprises 63 entities that “divide their intervention into six action areas, one of which unites all the volunteer organizations conducting city rounds or having fixed food distribution points.”
“This area, which comprises about 30 entities, ranging from formal entities to informal groups, maintains a close and expansive action with people on the streets or near it. They provide support and meals every day of the year, mostly at night, traversing city streets to meet those living on the streets,” the institution highlights.
The parish of Senhora da Conceição emphasizes that “in addition to this support, entirely based on civil society, there are three solidarity restaurants in Porto funded by the Municipality of Porto.”
“When added to the previously mentioned figures, this results in 444,916 meals and a 2,361,800 euros investment, with some social canteens supported by Social Security, the data of which was unavailable. Thus, through the efforts of numerous civil society entities, over 1.6 million euros are mobilized to combat hunger in the city,” it underlines.
