THI Expands Support for Food Bank Greece as Need Remains High

The Hellenic Initiative is expanding its support for families in Greece who continue to struggle with the rising cost of living. Even years after the financial crisis, food insecurity remains a daily reality for many households.

Eurostat reports that in 2024 one in ten Greeks faced food insecurity and more than a third lived below the poverty line. Food Bank Greece, which operates soup kitchens and supports vulnerable families, says that 77 percent of visitors come at least once a week and 38 percent come every day.

Since 2021, THI has donated more than $400,000 to Food Bank Greece, with major support from the Andreas and Shirley Kramvis Foundation. That aid has provided more than 1.8 million meals. In 2025, THI also funded a new digital platform, CTC, that helps the organization manage and distribute food more efficiently across the country.

People who rely on soup kitchens describe how close they live to the edge. A beneficiary in Nikaia told Food Bank Greece that they cannot think beyond the essentials and do not know how they would cope without the daily meal they receive. Another in Anavyssos said they split each portion into two meals because they cannot afford breakfast.

Food Bank Greece was founded in 1995 and is a member of the European Food Banks Federation. It collects surplus food from industries, supermarket chains, farm cooperatives, government agencies, and individual donors. The organization supports 324 institutions across Greece, including 231 soup kitchens, 15 senior homes, and 19 children’s foundations.

General Manager Dimitris Nentas notes that some basic foodstuffs cannot be obtained through donations and must be purchased. THI funding helps cover these costs while also supporting the organization’s long term innovation. He adds that it means a great deal to see supporters travel from the United States to learn more about the work being done and offer help.

THI Board President George P. Stamas says the partnership shows how donor generosity multiplies its impact when it supports both immediate needs and the systems behind them. THI Board Member Andreas Kramvis calls the Food Bank a reminder of the challenges that persist in Greece and says he is proud to support a dedicated team that ensures aid reaches the people who need it most.

Photo: Emergency food supplies prepared with support from The Hellenic Initiative and distributed through Food Bank Greece.
Source: https://cosmosphilly.com/thi-supports-food-bank-greece/