NEW YORK – [Photos: Courtesy of the THI]
With many families in Greece still struggling to put food on the table despite the country’s recovery from the economic crisis of 2009-2018, The Hellenic Initiative (THI) announced today, November 26, that it continues to support and work with Food Bank Greece (FBG) to fight the ongoing food insecurity crisis in the country.
The Eurostat agency reported that in 2024 one in ten Greeks faced food insecurity and that 34.6% lived below the poverty line. According to Food Bank Greece’s most recent survey of soup kitchen participants, 77% said they attend one or more times per week, while 38% go daily — mainly due to the high cost of living and low incomes, the organization stated in a press release.
THI, alongside the generous support of the Andreas and Shirley Kramvis Foundation, has donated more than $400,000 to FBG since 2021. THI’s aid over the years translates to more than 1.8 million meals.
In 2025, THI’s aid has also helped FBG to build capacity by funding the CTC software platform, facilitating more efficient distribution of food aid across Greece.
Beyond the numbers, beneficiaries shared their daily struggles with Food Bank Greece, underscoring the importance of THI’s support:
“I don’t dream. I can’t think beyond the essentials. I can’t choose food. If I didn’t come here, I don’t know what I’d do. Fortunately, this place exists”, noted a beneficiary of a soup kitchen in Nikaia. Another one in Anavyssos explained, “We divide [the portions] into two meals [lunch and dinner], but we can’t buy breakfast”.
Founded in 1995, Food Bank Greece is a member of the European Food Banks Federation. The organization collects surplus food from food industries, supermarket chains, agricultural cooperatives, government agencies, and citizens. The food is donated to charities that distribute it to households and soup kitchens. Today, FBG works with 15 old age homes, 231 soup kitchens, and 19 foundations for children – 324 institutions in total-, thanks to assistance by institutions like THI.
FBG General Manager Dimitris Nentas notes that families also need foodstuffs that cannot be obtained from food donations and must be bought. “THI helps us plug this gap”, he said.
Nentas added that in addition to assisting with food purchases, THI has made crucial innovation possible at FBG, spotlighting “the new digital system that we have been creating through THI’s support” – the new CTC (Click to Care) system. He expressed pride and appreciation that their work inspires people “to travel from the U.S. to be here with us, that they want to hear about the Food Bank and support our mission”.
“THI’s work with Food Bank Greece, especially in support of capacity building, is a powerful example of the multiplier effect of the generosity of our donors”, statedTHI’s Board President George P. Stamas.
“The Food Bank stands as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges post the Greek economic crisis. It is led by a terrific team of dedicated individuals who ensure effective distribution of aid to those who require it most. It is a privilege to support it. It is also a strong example of the well deserving aid targets THI selects”, said THI Board Member Andreas Kramvis.
Founded in 2012, THI is the only global non-profit organization that unites Greeks around the world around philanthropy through investing in the future of Greece. Since its founding, THI has raised more than $38 million and has grown to be the largest Greek Diaspora organization in the world. More information is available at: thehellenicinitiative.org.
