Viennese relief organization warns: The run-up to Christmas brings bottlenecks in social markets!

Viennese relief organization warns: The run-up to Christmas brings bottlenecks in social markets!

What is happening in the social markets in Vienna? The Vienna relief organization, which operates two of these markets in Neubau and Penzing, is releasing alarming information. The organization warns of a systematic decline in donations of food and goods, especially in the run-up to Christmas, when an increase in donations is traditionally expected. This decline is particularly worrying as social markets rely heavily on donations from food retailers, producers, bakeries and farms to support people at risk of poverty.

In recent years, the number of households served in these markets has increased dramatically - more than doubling from over 8,000 two years ago. A key reason for this is the ongoing financial difficulties that affect many people in Vienna. The wave of inflation and high unemployment figures have increased the number of people affected by poverty. At the moment, the customers of the social markets are primarily people with an income of less than 60 percent of the median income.

Donation volume at an all-time low

The donated goods have decreased by ten percent compared to the previous year. As the Vienna Relief Organization explains, there is a big gap between supply and demand, especially for fresh fruit and vegetables. This development is problematic because social markets not only help people in need, but also help reduce food inequality and ease the burden on trade. With around 2,000 full-time and volunteer employees, the Vienna relief organization is an important player in the city's social sector.

Social and economic inequality is not only an issue in Vienna, but also affects other European countries. A study shows that the poverty rate in Germany has increased in recent years. Around 11.3 percent of the population lives in severe poverty, which is becoming a serious challenge for society. Similar to Vienna, many groups at risk of poverty are also visible there: the unemployed, single parents and people with an immigrant background. In Austria the situation is not much different.

A call for solidarity

The warning from the Vienna Relief Organization is a wake-up call for everyone who wants to do something good in the run-up to Christmas. It is crucial that food and goods are donated so that the social markets can continue to fulfill their important role under the difficult conditions. But it's not just the organization that needs support - retailers could also be asked to make a contribution. The supply bottlenecks must be addressed urgently!

Now it is up to the people of Vienna to show solidarity and help with donations. Every support is needed, especially in the coming weeks, to ensure that no one goes hungry during the cold season. The challenges are great, but together we can overcome them.

For further information and ways to support, please visit articles from meinkreis.at and boeckler.de.