Solidarity restaurant now relies on food supply by Mercadona

Several entities in the city are now joining efforts to expand and enhance the city's responses on social challenges, such as Mercadona that supplies the solidarity canteen at the Temporary Reception Shelter Joaquim Urbano.

The first delivery, which happened this afternoon, included fresh products as fruit, vegetables and meat that are an important contribution for the circa 400 meals that are served on a daily basis in this restaurant, following a "take-away" model to provide for homeless people.

From Monday to Friday, the Domingos Sequeira Store will support in the preparation of meals by donating food supplies according to the needs of this solidarity restaurant.

It should be mentioned that Mercadona has also implemented the same donation system in social canteens in their stores, which adds to the supply of food to the Bank Food of Porto, Braga and Aveiro.

As long as 24th March, the Temporary Reception Centre and the Covid-19 Emergency Shelter, established in the former Hospital Joaquim Urbano now accommodate 75 beneficiaries, which represents a 100% increase of the centre's former capacity.

The increase of users demanded additional effort, such as strengthening voluntary efforts, technicians and support personnel so as to guarantee personalised accompaniment to beneficiaries, by taking into account the needs and specificities of each individual.

Also, in view of the current pandemic situation and the reception of more users, there will be an enhancement of initiatives to promote the physical and mental well-being of these people, for instance, physical and leisure activities.