Greifswald's food bank urgently needs helpers: Here's how you can support!

Greifswald's food bank urgently needs helpers: Here's how you can support!

In Greifswald, in the picturesque Vorpommern-Greifswald district, help is urgently needed. The local food bank needs new volunteers to keep it running. After one employee left for health reasons and another announced his retirement in January, the support that is so important for the 1,200 people in need is no longer available. A report from NDR highlights that people are being sought who can either drive a van with an automatic transmission or ride as a passenger. The volunteers are a crucial support for the food bank and are supposed to pick up food every week and bring it to the food bank.

Ideally, volunteers could help escort and transport food once or twice a week from morning to lunchtime. Anyone interested is cordially invited to contact the Greifswalder Tafel directly. The area of ​​operation is predominantly within the city area, which makes it easier for the helpers to travel. By the way, it is not necessary for co-drivers to have a driving license - a circumstance that could enable many people to get actively involved.

The important role of blackboards

Tafel are non-profit aid organizations that have been distributing surplus food to those in need in Germany since 1993, initiated by Sabine Werth. According to information from Wikipedia) the Tafel are non-denominational and politically neutral. With an impressive 975 food banks and more than 75,000 helpers working across Germany, they reach around 1.5 million people every year. The donated food comes from manufacturers and retailers who sort out unsaleable products.

Honorary work is particularly valued because, according to a report by Tafel Deutschland, 94 percent of helpers work on a voluntary basis. These volunteers perform a variety of tasks, including picking up donations, sorting and distributing food, and organizing projects. The Tafel's work aims not only to save food, but also to help poor people.

The increasing demand

The number of people in need has increased in recent years, especially since the corona pandemic and the Ukraine conflict. Many of the 1,200 people who regularly support the Greifswalder Tafel depend on this help. The similar trend is reflected in the numbers from food banks across Germany: commitment and support are more important than ever. Statistics show that 30 percent of those in need are children and young people. Some food banks have even launched special projects to specifically address the needs of these groups.

Despite their valuable work, the panels are repeatedly criticized. Some critics complain that they do not combat the causes of poverty, but only act as emergency aid. And the willingness to donate can also fluctuate in the face of economic crises. Nevertheless, the need for food security and social support remains high.

Anyone who would like to get involved with the Greifswalder Tafel has the opportunity to contribute their own skills and interests to the voluntary work. Even a small contribution can help make many people's lives a little easier.