During the nationwide Food Drive, held annually since 2013, volunteers in green aprons assist donors with handing over non-perishable food and hygiene items at supermarket checkout areas. This act of solidarity has gradually become one of the largest charity events in the Czech Republic, made possible thanks to thousands of volunteers and support from partners across the country. Every donation — from a pack of pasta to baby food — is delivered via food banks to those who need it most.
In the spring edition of the Food Drive held on April 26, 2025, the Czech public demonstrated unprecedented generosity. In just one day, donors contributed 464 tons of food and 54 tons of basic hygiene items — a record-breaking total of 518 tons of aid, equivalent to approximately 928,000 meals for people in need. The donated supplies provide vital relief for single-parent families, abandoned seniors, people experiencing homelessness, and other vulnerable groups. At the same time, the campaign helps reduce food waste by collecting goods that might otherwise go unused.
ARETE and Raben Logistics Get Involved
This year, employees and collaborators from the ARETE Group took an active part in the corporate collection — both in person at the office and through online donations. Their enthusiasm and personal commitment reflect ARETE’s corporate values and its broader commitment to social responsibility. The initiative was further supported by a financial contribution from the ARETE Group to the Food Bank, effectively doubling the total value of the donated aid. In line with its sustainability strategy, the ARETE Industrial Fund supports the development of local communities and volunteering — goals that are advanced through participation in local food drives.
The main logistics partner of the campaign — for the tenth year in a row — is Raben Logistics Czech, which is also a long-term tenant in one of the industrial parks of the ARETE Industrial Fund. Raben provides comprehensive logistics services to businesses and industries and plays a key role in the success of this charitable initiative by ensuring collection and delivery of donated goods to regional food banks across the country. Thanks to Raben’s professional logistics network, 40 tons of aid were efficiently distributed across seven regions.
“Once again, we’re seeing that people care about the wellbeing of others and want to help. We’re grateful to be part of an initiative like the Food Drive and help people in need live better lives,” said Jitka Kocálová, Marketing Manager at Raben Logistics Czech.
At ARETE, we are proud that our employees and partners contributed to this meaningful project. The success of this year’s campaign — a 10% increase in donated food by weight compared to last year — confirms that when companies and the public unite, the impact is truly powerful.
