From 10,000 kilometres to a national movement

It was 2021. The country was feeling the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns: disrupted routines, isolation that was taking its toll on physical and emotional wellbeing, and, for many families, financial difficulties were also being felt, with a rise in requests for food aid.

It was in this context that an idea emerged within Galp: what if getting people moving again could also help those most in need? And so ‘Every Step Counts’ was born. The challenge began amongst staff and had a simple premise: for every kilometre covered through physical activity, a meal would be donated.

“We wanted to encourage staff to get active again and, at the same time, contribute to a cause of national urgency,” recalls Sandra Aparício, Executive Director of the Galp Foundation.

The first target was set at 10,000 kilometres, a goal that was ultimately achieved well ahead of schedule.

From an internal challenge to a national movement

What happened next changed the scale of the project. Within a few weeks, ‘Every Step Counts’ opened up to the wider public, brought on board partners such as Rádio Comercial and TVI, and swapped its initial target of 10,000 kilometres for a far more ambitious one: to reach one million.

From then on, the challenge attracted new participants and took on new forms of mobilisation. In 2025, the initiative also received the High Patronage of the Presidency of the Republic, which has now been renewed for 2026.

There are examples that help illustrate the extent of this involvement. The National Republican Guard (GNR) has been a regular participant, mobilising military personnel from the north to the south of the country and organising ‘Grifo 24h’, an endurance event which, in just one day, adds thousands of kilometres to the challenge. Diogo Piçarra, the initiative’s ambassador, has also been extending the invitation to take part to his community, helping to reach new audiences.

Where do all these kilometres go?

The answer lies in the other half of the equation. Every kilometre contributed by participants translates into food, which the Food Emergency Network (REA) helps to get to those who need it most.

For Isabel Jonet, president of the Portuguese Federation of Food Banks Against Hunger and of ENTRAJUDA, the initiative’s impact extends beyond the food distributed. By raising awareness of food insecurity, ‘Every Step Counts’ also helps to highlight a reality that is not always visible.

Isabel Jonet highlights the rise in the price of basic foodstuffs and the increasing cost of housing as among the main pressures faced by the most vulnerable families. At the start of the school year, when additional expenses arise, the need for support becomes even more evident.

Support network

REA was set up in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, organised by ENTRAJUDA and based on the Food Banks, to support families who had lost their income and were unable to meet their basic needs.

“We were able to respond to desperate situations and, in many cases, it proved to be a lifeline – whether through the help provided or by reassuring many families that they are not alone and that there is a support network to help them through difficult times,” explains Isabel Jonet.

Every step remains essential

Five years on, the reasons behind the ‘Every Step Counts’ initiative remain as relevant as ever. Food banks support around 370,000 people through approximately 2,400 organisations across the country.

“Household income is not enough to cover the current cost of living,” warns Isabel Jonet, highlighting the rise in food and housing prices.

At the same time, Portugal remains among the least active countries in Europe: 73 per cent of Portuguese people say they never take part in exercise or sport. “The social purpose of this partnership remains as relevant today as when it began and, in some respects, has become even more pressing,” emphasises Sandra Aparício.

The partnership extends beyond the challenge: Galp supports the 21 food banks by providing fuel for logistics operations across the country and through volunteering.

And now? 1.5 million kilometres

In 2026, ‘Every Step Counts’ is setting itself an ambitious new starting target: 1.5 million kilometres in just two months.

To take part, you don’t need to be an athlete or find extra time in your day. Walking, running, cycling or doing any other physical activity where you can track the kilometres you cover is enough to make a contribution.

“Rather than just sending a message to those who are already thinking of taking part, we’d like to reach out to those who haven’t yet taken that step,” says Sandra Aparício. “Taking part in ‘Every Step Counts’ is simple, accessible and has a real impact on other people’s lives.”

In 2021, it took 10,000 kilometres to realise that the idea had the potential to grow. Since then, over 440,000 people have taken part and 5.7 million meals have been donated. In 2026, the challenge will once again be in everyone’s hands – and on everyone’s feet.

The next kilometre could be yours. Log your activity on Every Step Counts and help the Galp Foundation reach its target of 1.5 million meals.