Axarquia shoppers urged to support neighbours through Bancosol food drive 2026

A small donation at the supermarket till this weekend could help ensure families across Malaga have food on the table this winter. Bancosol, the Costa del Sol Food Bank, is holding its Great Food Collection, or Gran Recogida de Alimentos, on Friday, November 13, and Saturday, November 14. Residents throughout the region are being encouraged to take part.

Andalucia’s delegate for Social Services, Families and Equality, Laura Valle, has called on people across Malaga and the Axarquia to show commitment, generosity and solidarity.

How residents can donate

It is easy to take part. Shoppers can visit a participating supermarket and ask staff to add a donation to their receipt. Contributions start from just €1, making the campaign accessible to anyone who wants to help but cannot give a large amount.

Bancosol is encouraging monetary donations rather than physical food this year. Money allows the charity to purchase exactly what its partner organisations need, while helping it manage stock, storage and distribution more efficiently.

People who prefer to give from home can use Bizum, Spain’s instant mobile-payment service, with the code 00887. Donations can also be made at the checkout in participating supermarkets across the province.

Support for vulnerable families

Bancosol hopes to raise more than €450,000 during the two-day campaign. Funds will help the organisation continue providing food support to 20,589 vulnerable people through 129 social organisations across the area.

Nearly a third of those receiving help are children or young people. Bancosol says rising living costs and ongoing hardship mean public generosity is essential to maintaining supplies for families who might otherwise go without.

A community effort in the Axarquia

Volunteers will be at collection points to explain the campaign, encourage donations and thank shoppers for their support. Around 4,000 people are expected to help across Malaga province, including students from the Santa Rosa de Lima education centre.

Local organisations in the Axarquia have long played an important role in the annual collection. Past campaigns have involved town halls, charities and volunteers from local towns including Nerja and Velez-Malaga, helping bring the province-wide effort closer to neighbourhoods across the region.

Last year’s Great Food Collection raised €450,000, and Bancosol is hoping the community will help it surpass that total in 2026. Every donation, however small, contributes to a wider network of support for households in need.

Supermarkets joining the appeal

Major supermarket chains are taking part, including Grupo MAS, Carrefour, El Corte Ingles, Alcampo, Eroski, Dia, El Jamon and Mercadona. With 285 stores involved, shoppers in Axarquia towns and villages should easily be able to find a nearby collection point.

Bancosol says there is no minimum donation and no pressure to give more than a person can afford. Every contribution helps the charity continue its work supporting vulnerable households who need it most.