Non-governmental organisations in Hämeenlinna, southern Finland say they’re concerned about whether or not they will receive autumn deliveries of European Union food aid packages to feed the needy in their communities.
“Bureaucracy is slowing down the delivery of food. It will come by the end of October or January at the latest,” said Hämeenlinna-Vanaja parish employee Timo Heikka.
Heikka said that if the food doesn’t come in time, parishioners will be hard pressed to help underprivileged members of the community.
“In the Hämeenlinna community we have traditionally distributed food twice a year. In the worst-case scenario we will have to skip the autumn handout altogether. There’s a great need for it. We have to find some way to feed the needy,” Heikka stressed.
Smaller food parcels
The regional union of parishes is bracing for the shortfall in food aid by trying to build up its own stockpile. Parish worker Heikka said it’s also looking to collect provisions from other sources.
“We’re going out to supermarkets (to ask for food) and Lidl has promised to help,” he explained.
The growing numbers of underprivileged individuals also means shrinking food packages, as NGOs try to ensure that everyone gets their share.
“We’ve seen the retrenchments in the area and rising taxes,” Heikka observed, alluding to the increased need for assistance among locals.
