Caritas launches Le+O food collection in Austria

Caritas and 140 parishes have launched the ‘Le+O’ (Food and Orientation) harvest collection, running from September 20 to October 18 across Vienna and Lower Austria. The initiative, inaugurated by Archbishop Josef Grünwidl and Caritas Director Klaus Schwertner, aims to collect non-perishable food items such as rice, sugar, oil, coffee, and canned goods to support people living in poverty.

The Le+O project combines poverty relief with food waste prevention. While the organization regularly rescues fresh products from supermarkets, there is a consistent shortage of long-lasting staples. The initiative seeks to assist those facing financial pressure, including families, single parents, and the elderly, ensuring they do not have to choose between food and essential costs like rent.

Volunteers will also be active in various supermarkets throughout the region to encourage donations. The collected food is distributed through Caritas social markets, which provide both nutritional support and professional guidance to help individuals achieve self-sufficiency.