The snake of humanity: Tafel distributes groceries for needy residents of Munich & many refugees

Created: 2022-03-20Updated: 2022-03-20 8:05 p.m

Even busier than usual: In addition to the regular guests, many Ukrainians came to the table at the wholesale market on Saturday.

© JENS HARTMANN (4)

It was not a normal Saturday at the Munich food bank at the wholesale market in Sendling.

Because since thousands of refugees from the Ukraine have arrived in Munich, the helpers at the Tafel have also noticed a special rush.

A site visit.

The queue is long, much longer than usual: There has rarely been so much rush at the Münchner Tafel.

Around 1,250 people in need picked up food from the distribution point at the wholesale market on Saturday – more than 800 of them Ukrainian refugees* who found refuge in Munich*.

A huge challenge for the board - their expectations have been confirmed (we reported).

Stefan Horak from the Tafel already estimated at ten in the morning: "Today the number of visitors will more than double..."

Munich: Tafel distributes food for needy residents of Munich & refugees

The helpers have been toiling since eight in the morning, preparing bread, fruit, vegetables and hygiene items.

There are many things that are necessary for basic security.

Green bags with coloring books, gummy bears and water will be given to Ukrainian families with children.

The coordination is not easy, says the blue-aproned helper Peter Schreiber.

He stands at the entrance, checks the guests and explains to the Ukrainians how the distribution works.

The refugees who want to get food at the table actually had to register in advance.

In the end, on Saturday, there were still around 100 refugees who hadn't given advance notice - and the Tafel didn't send any of them away.

Munich: The Tafel now buys a lot itself

Where does the extra food come from?

Horak explains: "The main task of the food bank used to be to keep food from shops from being thrown away and to pass it on to the needy." But the rush grew bigger and bigger.

Today, the Tafel buys a lot itself, "that's why monetary donations are so important to us, especially now."

The regular guests should not get less, they already live at the subsistence level anyway.

Peter Schreiber tells of a guest who wanted to leave when he saw so many people: "The Ukrainians need it more than I do." The Tafel people therefore worked in two shifts this time until the evening.

also read

"Willingness to help was amazing": Bavarian restaurateurs start spontaneous aid convoy for Ukraine

In record time, Brucker restaurateurs set up an aid convoy for the Ukraine.

People's willingness to help was "amazing".

"Willingness to help was amazing": Bavarian restaurateurs start spontaneous aid convoy for Ukraine

Buchheim Museum am Starnberger See examines collection: Nazi-looted art?

The Buchheim Museum in Bernried has examined the origins of the collection of its founder, Lothar-Günther Buchheim.

The focus was on whether it could also be Nazi-looted art.

Buchheim Museum am Starnberger See examines collection: Nazi-looted art?

However, more people will probably come next Saturday.

Advance registration will therefore be absolutely necessary: ​​telephone hotline in Ukrainian on 0800/200 44 60, manned on Thursday from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Munich: "The willingness to help here in the city is very high"

Angelica Rauber.

© JENS HARTMAN

I haven't been able to work since an accident a few years ago - I broke my neck.

That's why I'm in need now and come to the Tafel regularly.

I'm not worried about getting less because of the situation with the Ukrainian refugees.

However, the line is moving much more slowly than usual. In addition, a few of the refugees are not wearing their FFP2 masks properly or are not keeping enough distance.

Yulia Pysanenko.

© JENS HARTMANN

I escaped from Ukraine and have been in Munich since March 8th.

Today, a friend who has lived in Germany for a long time and speaks the language is accompanying me to the Tafel.

The willingness to help here in the city is very high.

I was completely surprised how much groceries we get.

I am grateful for so much generosity that we experience here.

Rose Levi by Miller © JENS HARTMANN

i am homeless

I share the food I get from the Münchner Tafel with other homeless people in the city.

We help each other here.

I grew up in difficult circumstances.

That's why I like to share and I'm not used to it any other way.

I'm not worried that I'll get less than usual today because of the big rush.

I'm just happy with everything I get from the board.

PETER SCHLINGENSIEF *tz.de and Merkur.de are offers from IPPEN.MEDIA

Regular, free of charge and always up-to-date: We put together all the news and stories from Munich and deliver them to you free of charge by e 

.

Sign up now!