The Taichung Food Bank has established 3 physical entities, 10 alliance shops and 33 distribution stations since its launch. According to last year’s performance, an estimate of 2500 disadvantaged households benefited per month. For the purpose of stable supply and ensuring delivery to households in need, the Taichung City Government Social Affairs Bureau reviewed the previously council-vetoed budget items and added 6 million NTD in supplementing resource procurements for the food bank. This was in hopes that the council could show support in safeguarding civilian needs.

The Social Affairs Bureau stated that the 6 million dollar budget will be expensed on resource procurement according to the food bank performance as of last year. An estimated 2500 disadvantaged households will benefit per month, with individual procurements averaging 300 dollars and providing an ample 10 to 12 items. They will be aiding citizens in the following situations including listed low-income, lower-middle income households that have difficulty living and procuring three meals a day; responsible for over half of family income or unemployed but with children in stages below high school and having difficulty living and procuring three meals a day; and others with reasons in desperate need of food bank aid.

The Social Affairs Bureau pointed out since Taichung established the first physical food bank of the country in 2012 and initiated drafting of the “Food Bank Self-management Decree” implemented last January, 3 physical food bank entities, 10 alliance shops, and 33 distribution stations are currently providing citizens with diversified supplies, with distribution free of charge by logistics companies and providing large-size storage for frozen foods. The City Government will continue to promote and seek out suitable distribution sites in the future, facilitating resources for citizens in need of aid.

In addition, the Social Affairs Bureau also urges all social levels to respond to “waste no leftovers” by donating extra edible food through the food bank platform and redistributing to those in need. By gradually lower the cost of food procurement, it is hoped that Taichung can be established as a friendly, non-hunger city.