The first german modern Foodbank opened more than 30 years ago in Berlin, Berliner Tafel e.V.
Of course, there always have been social and religious institutions providing free meals and food baskets to the ones in need since centuries.
But, even with the most prosperous economy in Europe on one of the longest period of time without war, Germany has never been able to eradicate poverty.
There are many definition of poverty, and the combination of monetary poverty and exclusion through poverty is what we speak about here - when people cut their social contacts out of shame and/or unability to cope with the costs of a social life - taking a huge toll on our societies.
In Germany, the monetary poverty does not decrease anymore since 25 years, staying at 6 to 7% of the german population suffering of extreme poverty, and round 20% threatened by being hit by one or the different form. We can change this structurally - with economic and social policies. It takes time and collective effort. A scientific study from 2022 came even to the result that Germany has 40% more people suffering from poverty and exclusion out of monetary restrain as in 2012.
Don't forget: 18% of the german adults do not own a smartphone (32% of the elderly over 69 years old), 12% have literacy issues, 5%, more then 4 million people, according to Statista, never used internet.
In 2022 the almost 1000 Tafeln in Germany served 2,2 Mio peoples in need - a sad record. In Berlin, 2000 members are donating time and money to collect unsold food, saving them from the bin, and providing meals for 80 000 people in the capital.
We can, by supporting their effort, reduce the symptoms of a morally unhealthy society, where prosperity does not reach down to the ground while huge amounts of produced goods are wasted.
I am supporting the european foodbanks since more than 12 years now.
This is a family legacy.
My grand mother was one of the head of the local secours populaire.
My mother Daniele Runel-Caillau and my late stepfather Jef RUNEL BELLIARD served as volunteer, CMO, and even president of the Banque Alimentaire de Gironde. My mother still serve there twice a week at 78 years of age.
As I was considering how to vow my pending cycling tour as "Giving Back" I decided therefore to call for donations for the Berliner Tafel. This is only a small step, and a call for reflection.
From Friday the 12th of April until Saturday 20th of April, I will ride on a Gravel bicycle from Munich to Berlin, connecting the 2 places I have been working the most since 24 years living in Germany.
I will post a message of the day every evening on this platform.
If you wish to cheer me, do it by donating below or to your local foodbank !
If you wish to join me, send me a mp and I will share the Komoot for each stage.
Thank you Bernd Raff for the overall komoot plan!
https://lnkd.in/egdvUnvh
