German food banks report 50% surge in customers since January

A total of 2 million people are receiving groceries from the Tafel food banks, the organization's chair Jochen Brühl told the Saturday edition of Germany's Rheinische Post newspaper, rported dpa.

At the same time, the amount of food donations is declining, according to Brühl. Around a third of the food banks have reached their capacity limit, meaning they have had to impose limits on admission, he said, adding that having to send away those in need was psychologically very stressful for volunteers.

"People have great existential fears and concerns about how to pay for food, housing, heating," the Tafel chair said, stressing that the food banks were unable to compensate for "what the state cannot do."

As many other countries, Germany is currently grappling with record levels of inflation and a fast-rising cost of living, with an October study showing that low-income families are being particularly badly hit.

Brühl criticized that state aid was often "insufficient" and came too late. "People who come to the food banks have no savings. People affected by poverty need quick help now," he warned.

Germany was "a rich country," where it should be possible for all citizens to get through the winter without having to suffer shortages, Brühl said.

Germany's Tafel food banks collect food donations from individuals and businesses and give them out to vulnerable citizens who provide a necessary document, for example proving their jobless status.

There are currently more than 960 such food banks nationwide which are entirely financed by donations and don't receive public funding, according to the organization.