The demand at the food banks in Germany has reached a sad record: more than two million people use the free food distribution. The unemployed, pensioners and low earners are affected - but also numerous refugees from Ukraine.
The food banks in Germany have seen a surge in demand since the beginning of the year. The number of users of the social offers has increased by half and reached a new record level, said the umbrella organization of the organization. In the meantime, well over two million people in Germany affected by poverty would use the offers such as free food. These are more recipients than ever before.
Tafel Deutschland questioned 962 member Tafels in June and July, and 603 Tafels took part in the survey. This has shown that 60 percent of the food banks have seen their customer base increase by up to 50 percent since the beginning of the year. Almost a quarter (22.6 percent) even support up to twice as many people. The number of customers has doubled for 7.6 percent of the food banks, and more than doubled for almost 9 percent.
Above all, refugees from the Ukraine count the Tafel as new customers. But there are also many unemployed, low earners and pensioners, the umbrella organization explained.
Head of the umbrella organization Jochen Brühl explained: "Tafeln are at the limit and tell us that many people come to them who have just made ends meet and need help for the first time." But there are also former customers whose situation has deteriorated again.
The demand is even higher, so 32 percent of the food banks have already had to introduce a freeze on admission. There is a lack of food or volunteers or both. 62 percent of the food banks would also currently be distributing smaller amounts in order to be able to give food to as many people as possible.
The umbrella organization criticized the social welfare offices and authorities in many municipalities because refugees were still being referred to the food banks without consultation. Many people from Ukraine in particular were given the wrong impression that the food banks were a state offer to which they were entitled.
"It is irresponsible when authorities send people to a food bank without even asking whether the food bank can take on new customers," said Brühl. "It's up to the state, not volunteers, to ensure that everyone in Germany has enough to eat and drink."
