FAYI

What is FAYI?

FAYI, the Greek word for food, represents more than just sustenance—it's a symbol of solidarity and collective action among grassroots organisations in Athens, united by one common mission: to provide food security to those living below the poverty line.

Who is FAYI?

The FAYI Network is a collaboration between several organizations, including AFW, CRR, Vasilika Moon, STEPS, Space Eye, Emantes, and Hope Cafe. Together, we believe that we are stronger when we act as one, pooling our resources and expertise to tackle the growing crisis of food insecurity.

Why FAYI matters?

Over the past two years, food prices in Greece have surged by a staggering 25%. This increase has deepened the cost of living crisis, pushing even more people into poverty. For many of the families and individuals supported by the organisations in the FAYI Network, food insecurity is an ongoing challenge, with the rising costs making it even harder to meet basic needs.

In response to this growing crisis, FAYI is Athens' only free shop, offering nutritious food and hygiene products to the most vulnerable people identified by each organisation within the network.

This shop provides monthly access to essential items, creating a vital safety net for families and individuals struggling to survive.

AFW’s Commitment: Addressing Gender-Based Violence through Food Security

At AFW, our commitment to FAYI is driven by the intersection of food insecurity and GBV. For women and girls, especially those already vulnerable to violence, food insecurity can be a life-threatening issue. Research shows that when families face economic instability—such as rising food prices—intimate partner violence (IPV) and other forms of GBV increase. The stress of financial insecurity can escalate violent situations, putting women and girls at even greater risk.

In some cases, the dire circumstances caused by food insecurity force families to adopt harmful coping mechanisms, such as child marriage or forced marriage, further perpetuating cycles of abuse and exploitation.

Through AFW, many of the women who access support through FAYI are single mothers, working in either irregular or low-wage employment, exacerbating the constant state of uncertainty. Without access to food security, they become even more susceptible to violence, trafficking and exploitation.

By providing these women with access to nutritious food and hygiene products, us being part of FAYI helps remove one of the immediate barriers to safety and stability, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their well-being, through the various services at #thepomegranateproject including shelter, livelihoods, language classes and psychosocial support.

For us, ensuring women have access to basic nutrition is not just about survival—it's about restoring dignity, breaking the cycle of violence, and enabling women to regain control over their lives.

We invite you to follow the FAYI Network on Instagram and join us in our mission to end food insecurity and promote dignity and safety for all, particularly women and girls who are at the highest risk. Your contribution matters. Donate here.

Together, we can create a stronger, safer community for everyone.

Gabrielle Tay
Founder - Action for Women