Bundestafelkreffen in Hanover: strengths solidarity for the needy

Bundestafelkreffen in Hanover: strengths solidarity for the needy

Hannover, Deutschland - In the pulsating capital of Lower Saxony, Hanover, the Bundestafel meeting takes place today, which brings together the volunteers of the tables from all over Germany. Until Saturday, members of a total of 974 tables gather to discuss central topics and the future of the table work. This meeting is not only an important exchange, but also an opportunity to address the challenges in food supply that is of existential importance for many people. [NDR] reports that the distribution halls of the boards are now often reaching their limits and the need for food, including frozen products, is constantly increasing.

In order to appreciate the commitment of the helpers and to set a sign of solidarity with people affected by poverty, the Highlight of the event will be celebrated on Saturday (July 5): the "Lange Tafel" on the opera field. This public event, which is opened by Mayor Belit Onay, cordially invites all citizens of Hanover and guests. A special highlight is offered with the motto "32 kilometers for 32 years of Tafel movement": The participants can cover the route with bicycle simulators, and if the Hanover Tafel region is successful, the Hanover table is considered with a generous food donation. [Tafel] expects up to 1,000 table active as well as guests from civil society, politics and business.

food supply and social challenges

The German tables, founded in Berlin in 1993 and inspired by the American model City Harvest, now support around 1.5 million people in need with food. This number speaks volumes about the pressing necessity of such facilities. However, reality is often not as rosy as it seems. Critics such as the social scientist Stefan Selke accuse society of taking too little to take care of poverty and leaving responsibility to civil society institutions. The boards try to fill a gap in social care through their use, but they are also criticized as "alms economics" and "social corporation", with the number of users and the associated challenges steadily increasing. [Ifdem] emphasizes that the distribution of the boards is uneven and depends heavily on voluntary support.

The blackboard movement faces numerous challenges, not least because of the continued high demand. Not too long ago, some tables had to impose temporary absorption stops because the food supply could no longer be ensured. Many users, including precarious employees, Hartz IV recipients, single parents, pensioners, students and migrants, often feel shame and social pressure when they go to the board. This contributes to the fact that the necessary discussions about combating poverty in society often fail.

The Bundestafelkreffen in Hanover not only represents an exchange about successful concepts, but also raises questions about the social framework and state responsibility. The blackboard movement may support many, but in order to really fight the causes of poverty, fundamental changes in political and social perception are necessary.

Anna Verres from the Tafel is available for further information and press inquiries (email: verrees (at) Tafel (dot) de).