– The need for food centers is large and growing. The national budget for 2023 will be tight and we will have to make a lot of cuts, but this budget cut was wrong. We will strengthen the Food Centers. That’s why we are now increasing support for food centers by NOK 2 million in 2022, says Geir Pollestad, a spokesman for the Center Party’s fiscal policy.
– The cut that arrived caused quite a stir, and I think everyone understood that it was a mistake. So, to prove that there is no malicious intent behind it and so that they can get the job done until Christmas, we are giving an additional grant of two million crowns, she tells the Nation.
More money in 2023 too?
The additional grant is part of the agreement between the government and SV on the electricity subsidy scheme for businesses.
– I am also pleased that this year we have secured NOK 23 million more in support of electricity for the district stores that are part of the merkur program and NOK 2 million in support of food centers, says the deputy leader of SV and head of negotiations, Torgeir Knag Fylkesnes.
In the proposal for the state budget for 2023, Matsentralen Norge received a reduction in its 2023 budget of NOK 619,000 out of NOK 7.8 million.
– The food center does important work by combining the use of fully usable surplus food and providing a much needed supply to many who need it. Therefore, we will not only give them a raise this year, but also give them a higher priority in the tight state budget for next year, Pollestad says.
Pollestad tells The Nation that changes for the Food Center in next year’s budget will be a topic in budget negotiations with SV.
350,000 fewer meals
According to Per Christian Rålm, general manager of Matsentralen Norge, the cut would have meant the distribution of 350,000 fewer meals.
– This year we will distribute more than 10 million meals and aim for a 30% increase. The requirement is about double, we could probably distribute 20 million meals. A meal with us costs around NOK 2.50, Rålm told Nationen earlier this fall.
For Christian Rålm, head of Food Center Norway, he is worried about those with less in Norway. Photo: private
The food center receives the food surpluses of the food industry and collaborates with 480 non-profit organizations. They receive food which, for various reasons, cannot be sold, but can be safely consumed. Food reaches those who need it most.
– When it comes to food, we have to make new investments. More donations require more capacity, not less. This is a time when it is difficult to raise money for charity, everyone knows about the increase in costs, Rålm said.
