Food Banks on the Rise in Saxony-Anhalt
The food banks in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt are a lifeline for an ever-increasing number of people. Kai-Gerrit Bädje, the head of the state food bank, reports a 10% surge in users within the last year, with approximately 66,000 to 67,000 people now relying on these essential services.
This uptick in demand is being felt unevenly across the state, with urban areas like Halle and Magdeburg seeing significant growth. While rural areas, like the Altmark, may encounter logistical challenges, city food banks are well-equipped to handle the surge in users.
Bädje attributes this surge to inflation. The need for aid is becoming increasingly obvious to more vulnerable populations, such as individuals with small pensions and low incomes, single parents, and immigrants. Discussions on increasing social support, like the citizen's allowance, have been raised, but Bädje, also serving as the managing director of the Awo district association in Harz, sees a growing need for debtor and insolvency counseling.
To meet the expanding demand, the food banks have significantly upgraded their logistics operations. A central warehouse on the A2, a deep-freeze warehouse at a Zerbst company, and professional supply chain management ensure an efficient flow of goods. Bädje shares that around 60% of the foodstuffs come from retailers and manufacturers, with the remaining 20% from local sources and the same proportion from Amazon returns, as the company now tries to avoid waste.
As the expiration of the energy price brake approaches, Bädje anticipates another surge in food bank users in 2024. Securing long-term financial support is the priority for future years, as the state-wide logistics currently cost 70,000 euros yearly.
Volunteers are a vital part of the food bank operation, with 56% working on a voluntary basis. The remaining 35% are employees assigned through job opportunities, and 9% are full-time staff. Given the changing job market, future staffing will need to adapt continuously.
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Developing efficient supply chain management and logistics infrastructure is a crucial component in meeting the growing demand for food services. Companies like Garbe Industrial Real Estate focus on sustainability, using photovoltaic systems to reduce carbon emissions and ensure a stable supply chain. Additionally, promotional loans and other funding mechanisms can support the growth of logistics infrastructure, further enabling food banks to operate effectively.
