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4mo ago

German Food Banks Struggle to Meet Rising Demand as Supplies Dwindle

Food banks across Germany are rationing supplies and implementing waitlists as the number of people in need surges by 50% since the start of the Ukraine war.

Verschiedene Wurstwaren, Vegetarisches und andere Kühlprodukte werden in einer Ausgabestelle der Hamburger Tafel verteilt

Overview

  • Approximately 60% of German food banks have reduced the amount of food distributed due to increased demand and limited resources.
  • The number of people relying on food banks has grown to 1.6 million, a 50% increase since the onset of the war in Ukraine, driven by rising living costs and stagnant wages and pensions.
  • Some food banks are resorting to temporary intake freezes or waitlists, especially in rural areas where donated food supplies are particularly scarce.
  • Improved measures by retailers to reduce food waste have further limited the availability of surplus food for donation, exacerbating shortages.
  • The head of the national food bank association has urged the government to address systemic poverty with measures like affordable housing, secure wages, and a well-funded child benefit program.