The food banks aren't the only ones to feel the consequences of food price increases. The family help of the Thuringian foundation "HandinHand" is also in greater demand.
Erfurt (dpa/th) - The state foundation "HandinHand" has observed an increasing need for financial aid in acute emergencies from low-income families this year. In the first half of the year, 196 applications for financial support had already been approved, said foundation manager Michael Hoffmeier of the German Press Agency. The grants approved totaled 178,000 euros. In the same period of 2021, 141 applications were approved, with a total of 120,000 euros being disbursed. The foundation helps families in particular emergencies when other help, such as Hartz IV benefits, is not possible.
The reason for the increased need for help is the high inflation, mainly the increase in food prices, said Hoffmeier. "It hits the mark." Single parents and families with several children, who would have to count on every cent anyway, are particularly affected. Sudden expenses, such as repairing a broken washing machine or buying furniture, are often not affordable for them in the current situation. They don't always get support from the social welfare offices. Some authorities rejected requests for help from those affected, although this was unjustified from the point of view of the foundation.
This year, the foundation provided around 330,000 euros from its assets and state funds for family support. In view of the expected price increases for energy, Hoffmeier expects that the need for help will increase. It is possible that not all applicants can be helped with the money available. The foundation has to budget with the available money in order to be able to help those in need at the end of the year.
The foundation also helps pregnant women in need with a subsidy for the baby's basic equipment. A good 3 million euros are available for this this year, coming from the Federal Foundation "Mother and Child". According to Hoffmeier, this has increased the funds for pregnant women's aid in order to absorb rising energy costs for pregnant women in financial difficulties. In addition, pregnant women who have fled Ukraine are also supported.
