Charities in Tenerife Face Unprecedented Rise in Food Assistance Requests

This year, non-governmental organizations in Tenerife are grappling with a substantial increase in food demand, averaging an alarming 20%. The surge in requests for food and essential goods has left many distribution entities struggling to keep pace with the influx of new users, highlighting the growing challenges faced by vulnerable populations on the island.

Escalating Needs Among At-Risk Communities

According to Luis Febles, president of the NGO Sonrisas Canarias, there has been a notable 23% increase in individuals seeking assistance at their facility located on Jose Batán Street. Many of these individuals are referred by municipal social workers, indicating a systemic need for support. Febles projects that by the end of the year, the organization will have provided aid to over 15,000 individuals, which translates to approximately 4,700 families. This marks a significant rise from last year’s figures of 13,760 individuals and 4,262 families. Alarmingly, around 15% of those receiving aid are migrants, a demographic that continues to grow as economic pressures mount. The areas most affected by this surge include La Laguna, Santa Cruz, Tacoronte, and Güímar, where the need for food assistance is particularly acute.

Funding Challenges and Organizational Struggles

In response to these rising demands, the Cabildo has stepped in to provide crucial support to these organizations following the withdrawal of European funds that previously supplied perishable goods through the Spanish Fund for Agrarian Guarantee (FEGA). Despite this intervention, the annual budget of two million euros allocated by the Insular Corporation is viewed as insufficient by various sources consulted. The funding model implemented by the Cabildo allocates half of the budget, or one million euros, to the Food Bank and the Red Cross, while the remaining funds are distributed among NGOs based on their specific needs and the number of users they serve. Currently, there are 75 registered entities on the island, with about half affiliated with public administration, underscoring the complexity of the support network.

Many organizations are now facing the dual challenge of increased demand and limited resources, which complicates their ability to provide consistent and adequate support. The withdrawal of European funding has left a significant gap that local NGOs are struggling to fill, leading to concerns about sustainability and the long-term viability of their operations.

Innovative Solutions and Community Engagement

Febles commends the efforts of the Cabildo, stating that their support has been crucial in alleviating some of the challenges faced after the loss of EU funding. With over 25 years of experience in assisting vulnerable populations from the Valleseco neighborhood, where he grew up, Febles understands the importance of community engagement and support.

In a progressive move towards modernization, Sonrisas Canarias has initiated a digital transformation by launching pilot cards that consolidate essential data about families into a single chip. This innovative approach includes comprehensive information on family members, their ages, identities, origins, and the expiration dates of necessary reports. The presentation of these cards is mandatory on appointment days, which not only facilitates better tracking but also enhances statistical analysis, allowing organizations to better understand and respond to the needs of the communities they serve.

This digital initiative represents a significant step forward in streamlining operations and improving the efficiency of aid distribution. By leveraging technology, NGOs can enhance their capacity to serve those in need, ensuring that assistance reaches the most vulnerable populations in a timely manner.

Key points

• Food demand among NGOs in Tenerife has increased by an average of 20% this year.
• Sonrisas Canarias anticipates aiding over 15,000 individuals, a 23% rise from last year.
• Approximately 15% of those receiving assistance are migrants, with numbers on the rise.
• The Cabildo has stepped in to support NGOs after the loss of European funding.
• Annual funding from the Insular Corporation is considered insufficient by local organizations.
• Sonrisas Canarias has launched digital cards to streamline data management for families.