The famous slogan “those who are hungry are in a hurry” takes on an even greater sense of urgency less than a week before Christmas: it was popularized by the sociologist Herbert de Souza, alias Betinho, creator of the campaign that gave birth to Ação da Cidadania, one of the institutions that, at this time of year, act to bring food to people in situations of social vulnerability. Find out where and how to help.
- Discover samba and forró tips have fun this summer 2026 in Rio
- Petrópolis remains under surveillance due to further rains; dog helps search for missing server
Created 30 years ago, the NGO promotes what is considered the largest solidarity food collection campaign in Latin America: Christmas without hunger. The goal is to distribute more than 2,000 tons of food, through 3,000 community committees spread across Brazil.
Where and how to donate: Rio metro stations (Central do Brasil, Carioca, Botafogo, Cantagalo, Del Castilho, General Osório, Jardim Oceânico, Pavuna, Saens Peña and Uruguay) and VLT (there are collection points at Terminal Gentileza and Praça XV). Cash donations can be made through the website www.natalsemfome.org.br. The campaign runs until the 25th.
The Consórcio Cristo Sustentável, administered by the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro, hopes to raise 10,000 panettones to distribute to families served by the social institutions it supports.
Where and how to donate: Sanctuary of Christ the Redeemer (Estrada Redentor S/Nº, Alto da Boa Vista), Loja O Sol Artesanato (Rua Corcovado, 213, Jardim Botânico), Paróquia São José da Lagoa (Av. Borges de Medeiros, 2735), Trem do Corcovado (Rua Cosme Velho, 513), Escola da Magistatura do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (Rua Dom Manuel, 25, Centro) and Kiosque do Guido (between stations 11 and 12 of Recreio dos Bandeirantes). Cash donations can be made via the campaign page. Until January 1st.
The action, which began in 2005, has already delivered hundreds of tons of food to the residents of Vidigal and the Complexos do Alemão and Penha. This year the campaign will collect a basic food basket for every donation of R$120.00.
How to donate: With no minimum amount, donations can be made via Pix, using the key 21317767000119, which is the NGO’s CNPJ.
Since 2018, the NGO which serves 15 favelas in Maré has maintained the Espaço Normal, which receives around 150 people per day, and will organize a Christmas lunch for this audience. Redes da Maré relies on monetary contributions to organize the dinner. Until the 24th.
How to donate: Contributions will be received through Pix, using the key espaconormal@redesdamare.org.br. There is no minimum amount required.
* Intern under the direction of Giampaolo Morgado Braga
About The Author
