About half of Germany’s food banks have seen their number of clients double since last year, and many are turning people away. Increasing demand and decreasing donations are leaving many in need of help with few options.As inflation soars to over 10% and the German government turns to increasingly drastic measures to avert an energy crisis, the situation at Germany’s food banks has gone from bad to worse.
Already struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation has further worsened amid rising costs of living and a looming recession. Local newspapers across the country are filled with headlines about needy people being turned away by overwhelmed volunteers, who have begun stretching dwindling supplies even further in order to support longstanding clients.