"Gap is widening" - food banks in Saxony under pressure

Increasing demand, but fewer donations: The food banks in Saxony are under increasing pressure. The 45 food banks in the state are having to make do with around 30 to 40 percent less than food donations, said state chairman Stephan Trutschler. At the same time, there are more people in need. "The gap is widening," said Trutschler.

According to the state association, cost pressure is also increasing for retailers - food is often sold at a discount as a special offer. In addition, AI-supported merchandise management systems are helping to reduce waste. "Even if we give them a donation receipt, the stores still lose sales," says Trutschler.

Companies donate pallets full of pastries or yoghurt

The food banks are feeling the effects of this in many places when the helpers visit the supermarkets in the morning. The food banks are therefore increasingly reliant on large donations from companies. From time to time, the organizations receive pallets full of yogurt, baked goods or vegan burger patties that accidentally have the wrong best-before date printed on them. This then has to be cleverly distributed, says Trutschler.

According to the information, a pallet contains goods worth an average of 400 to 600 euros. These are currently handed over to the individual food banks for around 75 euros, which in turn pass the food on to the customers.

Around 900,000 collections at 200 distribution points

Last year, the Saxon food banks recorded around 900,000 collections at around 200 distribution points. The rush is great. According to Trutschler, the food bank customers increasingly include senior citizens as well as single parents and refugees. "That worries me." And the number of people in need is much higher, the regional chairman suspects. However, many people are ashamed to use the services of the food banks.

Around 900 volunteers help to collect, sort and distribute the food. Most recently, the helpers had to worry about their compensation. However, after the state budget was passed, they will now continue to receive 40 euros per month. According to the Ministry of Social Affairs, a total of 29,000 people were supported in 5,700 projects last year through the "Wir für Sachsen" volunteer program.

Refrigeration of goods causes electricity costs to explode

In some places, however, there is not only a shortage of volunteers, but also of part-time employees. Because the federal budget has not yet been finalized, job centers in many places do not have the funds to send helpers to the food bank - for example to drive vans. "We simply don't have the people," explained Trutschler. Some food banks have therefore shortened their distribution times.

The rise in fuel and electricity prices is also causing problems for the food banks, with some of the discounts reportedly increasing drastically. Among other things, the facilities rely on technology to cool the goods - and that is expensive.

The state of Saxony had initially budgeted around 40,000 euros for the food banks this year. Following criticism of the plans - including from the opposition - 400,000 euros have now been made available for both this year and next. "Especially in times of sharply rising prices, we must not leave those who need support the most to fend for themselves. The food banks are an important anchor for many people," said Green politician Christin Melcher.

Minister: Support for people affected by poverty

The 400,000 euros are, however, earmarked for investments such as refrigerated vehicles. However, Trutschler would like to be able to dispose of at least some of the money more freely - so that it can be used for association work or increased energy costs, for example. According to the Ministry of Social Affairs, there are no plans to subsidize these expenses.

At the same time, Minister of Social Affairs Petra Köpping pointed out the importance of the facilities. "The Saxon food banks offer a wide range of support for people and families affected by poverty and their commitment cannot be overestimated," said the SPD politician. With the votes of the CDU, SPD, Greens and Left Party, the funds could have been increased compared to the original budget draft. "With the funds now available, the processes can be optimized, which is also felt by the food bank customers," said Köpping.