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<\/h6>\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Apostolos Veizis, Director at INTERSOS Hellas<\/h6>\n<\/h3>\n<\/h3>\nWhat are the objectives and key activities of the project?<\/strong><\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
The \u201cFood for All\u201d project aims to meet the essential needs of some of the most vulnerable people in Athens\u2014refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, and undocumented individuals. Our primary goal is to ensure that these people receive the necessary food to survive, especially when they are living in precarious conditions.<\/p>\n
Since the beginning of 2024, we have seen 34,957 people<\/strong> arrive in Greece, a sharp increase compared to last year. About 44%<\/strong> of these individuals come from Syria and 20%<\/strong> from Afghanistan, with nearly half being women and children. The situation is critical, partly because there is no national legislative framework for assistance. In Athens alone, more than 5,000 people<\/strong> rely on food aid every day, and this number continues to grow.<\/p>\nHaving access to food is not a luxury but a fundamental human right. When we launched this project, we were driven by the urgent need to fill severe nutritional gaps: we found that 46%<\/strong> of the people we support had access to food only one to three times a week, while 13%<\/strong> had no access to food at all. Many of the people we assist are children, women, and men who are often severely malnourished. For example, a child needs around 40 different nutrients for healthy growth. Without these nutrients, the consequences can be devastating.<\/p>\nAs INTERSOS Hellas, we do our best to respond to this emergency. Every month, we manage to support between 500 and 600 people<\/strong>, more than half of whom are children (53.7%<\/strong>). Even though we have made progress and improved the situation, the need remains urgent. In addition to our field interventions, we are committed to sharing the data we collect and raising awareness about the issue. However, we must do more than present statistics; it is essential to tell the stories behind them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
What are the main issues and needs faced by people in need?<\/strong><\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
The main challenge is ensuring that these people can access food regularly. However, the issues go far beyond that. Refugees and migrants often face stark differences between the rights available to them and those granted to Greek citizens. Many struggle to obtain residency permits, which limits their ability to work and access essential services.<\/p>\n
Our project is not limited to providing food; it also addresses systemic issues. For example, an asylum seeker may receive financial support while their application is being processed, but once they are recognized as a refugee, that support disappears after just 33 days. Without language skills or job prospects, many find themselves without food or shelter. This is not just an immediate crisis but a matter of integration.<\/p>\n
Food insecurity in Athens is a complex problem, intertwined with broader social issues. We have documented these problems, emphasizing that this is not just a temporary issue but a structural one that requires a comprehensive approach. At the same time, we have carried out other projects such as “Vaccines for All” and “Protection for All Minors,” and we produced a three-year report on mental health issues following the Moria fire four years ago.<\/p>\n
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\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Distribution of September 11th, 2024<\/h6>\n<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n
What are the main difficulties you face in providing food assistance to such a large and diverse group of people?<\/strong><\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
The primary challenge is the sheer scale of the need. Despite our efforts, we are only able to reach a small portion of those in need of support. Since February 2022, we have conducted 43 food distributions<\/strong>, supporting around 13,000 people<\/strong>, equivalent to about 4,073 families<\/strong>. However, the demand is much greater than what we can currently manage.<\/p>\nAnother challenge is the quality of the food we can provide. While we offer essential help, it often consists of survival food, and we cannot always guarantee complete, high-quality nutrition. Many people still do not have access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and milk, which are essential for a balanced diet.<\/p>\n
Additionally, the lack of sustained support is another issue. Some believe that the situation has improved since 2015 and that refugees are now integrated, but this is not the full truth. Although some progress has been made, there are still significant challenges. General claims of “improvement” do not reflect the complexity of the situation we face daily. Many problems remain invisible unless actively highlighted, and only by addressing them with concrete action can we hope for positive change.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
What are your hopes for the future of the project?<\/strong><\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
My hopes are based on the resilience of the people we support and organizations like INTERSOS and Stichting Vluchteling, which are passionately dedicated to these issues. Despite global disappointments, I remain optimistic thanks to the support and solidarity we continue to receive. Talking with others about these issues gives me confidence that we can work together to create a better reality for everyone.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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<\/h3>\nWhat are the objectives and key activities of the project?<\/strong><\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
The \u201cFood for All\u201d project aims to meet the essential needs of some of the most vulnerable people in Athens\u2014refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, and undocumented individuals. Our primary goal is to ensure that these people receive the necessary food to survive, especially when they are living in precarious conditions.<\/p>\n
Since the beginning of 2024, we have seen 34,957 people<\/strong> arrive in Greece, a sharp increase compared to last year. About 44%<\/strong> of these individuals come from Syria and 20%<\/strong> from Afghanistan, with nearly half being women and children. The situation is critical, partly because there is no national legislative framework for assistance. In Athens alone, more than 5,000 people<\/strong> rely on food aid every day, and this number continues to grow.<\/p>\nHaving access to food is not a luxury but a fundamental human right. When we launched this project, we were driven by the urgent need to fill severe nutritional gaps: we found that 46%<\/strong> of the people we support had access to food only one to three times a week, while 13%<\/strong> had no access to food at all. Many of the people we assist are children, women, and men who are often severely malnourished. For example, a child needs around 40 different nutrients for healthy growth. Without these nutrients, the consequences can be devastating.<\/p>\nAs INTERSOS Hellas, we do our best to respond to this emergency. Every month, we manage to support between 500 and 600 people<\/strong>, more than half of whom are children (53.7%<\/strong>). Even though we have made progress and improved the situation, the need remains urgent. In addition to our field interventions, we are committed to sharing the data we collect and raising awareness about the issue. However, we must do more than present statistics; it is essential to tell the stories behind them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
What are the main issues and needs faced by people in need?<\/strong><\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
The main challenge is ensuring that these people can access food regularly. However, the issues go far beyond that. Refugees and migrants often face stark differences between the rights available to them and those granted to Greek citizens. Many struggle to obtain residency permits, which limits their ability to work and access essential services.<\/p>\n
Our project is not limited to providing food; it also addresses systemic issues. For example, an asylum seeker may receive financial support while their application is being processed, but once they are recognized as a refugee, that support disappears after just 33 days. Without language skills or job prospects, many find themselves without food or shelter. This is not just an immediate crisis but a matter of integration.<\/p>\n
Food insecurity in Athens is a complex problem, intertwined with broader social issues. We have documented these problems, emphasizing that this is not just a temporary issue but a structural one that requires a comprehensive approach. At the same time, we have carried out other projects such as “Vaccines for All” and “Protection for All Minors,” and we produced a three-year report on mental health issues following the Moria fire four years ago.<\/p>\n
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\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Distribution of September 11th, 2024<\/h6>\n<\/h3>\n
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What are the main difficulties you face in providing food assistance to such a large and diverse group of people?<\/strong><\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
The primary challenge is the sheer scale of the need. Despite our efforts, we are only able to reach a small portion of those in need of support. Since February 2022, we have conducted 43 food distributions<\/strong>, supporting around 13,000 people<\/strong>, equivalent to about 4,073 families<\/strong>. However, the demand is much greater than what we can currently manage.<\/p>\nAnother challenge is the quality of the food we can provide. While we offer essential help, it often consists of survival food, and we cannot always guarantee complete, high-quality nutrition. Many people still do not have access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and milk, which are essential for a balanced diet.<\/p>\n
Additionally, the lack of sustained support is another issue. Some believe that the situation has improved since 2015 and that refugees are now integrated, but this is not the full truth. Although some progress has been made, there are still significant challenges. General claims of “improvement” do not reflect the complexity of the situation we face daily. Many problems remain invisible unless actively highlighted, and only by addressing them with concrete action can we hope for positive change.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
What are your hopes for the future of the project?<\/strong><\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
My hopes are based on the resilience of the people we support and organizations like INTERSOS and Stichting Vluchteling, which are passionately dedicated to these issues. Despite global disappointments, I remain optimistic thanks to the support and solidarity we continue to receive. Talking with others about these issues gives me confidence that we can work together to create a better reality for everyone.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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<\/p>\n
The \u201cFood for All\u201d project aims to meet the essential needs of some of the most vulnerable people in Athens\u2014refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, and undocumented individuals. Our primary goal is to ensure that these people receive the necessary food to survive, especially when they are living in precarious conditions.<\/p>\n
Since the beginning of 2024, we have seen 34,957 people<\/strong> arrive in Greece, a sharp increase compared to last year. About 44%<\/strong> of these individuals come from Syria and 20%<\/strong> from Afghanistan, with nearly half being women and children. The situation is critical, partly because there is no national legislative framework for assistance. In Athens alone, more than 5,000 people<\/strong> rely on food aid every day, and this number continues to grow.<\/p>\n Having access to food is not a luxury but a fundamental human right. When we launched this project, we were driven by the urgent need to fill severe nutritional gaps: we found that 46%<\/strong> of the people we support had access to food only one to three times a week, while 13%<\/strong> had no access to food at all. Many of the people we assist are children, women, and men who are often severely malnourished. For example, a child needs around 40 different nutrients for healthy growth. Without these nutrients, the consequences can be devastating.<\/p>\n As INTERSOS Hellas, we do our best to respond to this emergency. Every month, we manage to support between 500 and 600 people<\/strong>, more than half of whom are children (53.7%<\/strong>). Even though we have made progress and improved the situation, the need remains urgent. In addition to our field interventions, we are committed to sharing the data we collect and raising awareness about the issue. However, we must do more than present statistics; it is essential to tell the stories behind them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The main challenge is ensuring that these people can access food regularly. However, the issues go far beyond that. Refugees and migrants often face stark differences between the rights available to them and those granted to Greek citizens. Many struggle to obtain residency permits, which limits their ability to work and access essential services.<\/p>\n Our project is not limited to providing food; it also addresses systemic issues. For example, an asylum seeker may receive financial support while their application is being processed, but once they are recognized as a refugee, that support disappears after just 33 days. Without language skills or job prospects, many find themselves without food or shelter. This is not just an immediate crisis but a matter of integration.<\/p>\n Food insecurity in Athens is a complex problem, intertwined with broader social issues. We have documented these problems, emphasizing that this is not just a temporary issue but a structural one that requires a comprehensive approach. At the same time, we have carried out other projects such as “Vaccines for All” and “Protection for All Minors,” and we produced a three-year report on mental health issues following the Moria fire four years ago.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The primary challenge is the sheer scale of the need. Despite our efforts, we are only able to reach a small portion of those in need of support. Since February 2022, we have conducted 43 food distributions<\/strong>, supporting around 13,000 people<\/strong>, equivalent to about 4,073 families<\/strong>. However, the demand is much greater than what we can currently manage.<\/p>\n Another challenge is the quality of the food we can provide. While we offer essential help, it often consists of survival food, and we cannot always guarantee complete, high-quality nutrition. Many people still do not have access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and milk, which are essential for a balanced diet.<\/p>\n Additionally, the lack of sustained support is another issue. Some believe that the situation has improved since 2015 and that refugees are now integrated, but this is not the full truth. Although some progress has been made, there are still significant challenges. General claims of “improvement” do not reflect the complexity of the situation we face daily. Many problems remain invisible unless actively highlighted, and only by addressing them with concrete action can we hope for positive change.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n My hopes are based on the resilience of the people we support and organizations like INTERSOS and Stichting Vluchteling, which are passionately dedicated to these issues. Despite global disappointments, I remain optimistic thanks to the support and solidarity we continue to receive. Talking with others about these issues gives me confidence that we can work together to create a better reality for everyone.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Every day in Athens, more than 5,000 people rely on food aid. Through the “Food for All” project, INTERSOS […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":106614,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"give_campaign_id":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[686,687],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-106616","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-food-security","category-greece"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhat are the main issues and needs faced by people in need?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/peaceful-shtern.46-37-26-27.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/image-3-e1726128097387.png\")
<\/p>\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Distribution of September 11th, 2024<\/h6>\n
<\/h3>\n
What are the main difficulties you face in providing food assistance to such a large and diverse group of people?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What are your hopes for the future of the project?<\/strong><\/h3>\n