The Tafel Erding reports on an increasing number of people in need as a result of the Ukraine war.
But there are also many donors.
Erding
- "I'm always amazed at how many people help the Tafel." Petra Bauernfeind, Chairwoman of the Neighborhood Aid (NBH) Erding, under whose umbrella the Tafel is organized, the relief given the great support was clearly noticeable.
Because at the annual general meeting in the club's rooms at Am Mühlgraben, she reported, among other things, about an enormous increase in those who queue up for free food at the table at the train station every Wednesday - especially more and more people from Ukraine.
There has been an incredible amount going on in the past few weeks.
On average, around 290 people come to collect the goods each week, many of whom are families in need.
Their number has doubled for a few weeks, just to help those in need from the war zone.
Fortunately, according to Bauernfeind, the amount of food donated by supermarkets, bakeries and other retailers has also increased.
"Only recently, on her own initiative, a woman set up lattice boxes in two places to encourage supermarket customers to donate - and delivered them to us fully packed," reported Bauernfeind.
Tafel Erding: Almost 100 helpers take turns distributing around three tons of food on each distribution day
The Tafel team, which has grown a little with more helpers, also works "sometimes at the limit".
After all, almost 100 men and women take turns distributing almost three tons of food per day, a total of around 150 tons last year.
"We make sure that everyone gets something," emphasized the NBH chairwoman.
Divided into groups, both the previous customers and many refugees from Ukraine receive food.
These people only have their passport as legitimation, i.e. no official proof of their need.
Supported by two interpreters, the Tafel issues them specially produced collection cards.
You can only register for Hartz IV benefits via the job center as of June 1st.
Bauernfeind: "They are already waiting in line, even if their language barrier makes some things difficult.
It's mostly little things, such as the expiry date on the packaging, that need to be explained.
Because they often don't know that goods that have been handed out can still be consumed after this date." The line of people on the sidewalk in front of the former post office building is growing steadily in both directions.
On average, the aid team is now on duty one to two hours longer than before the war.
Neighborhood help Erding helps the homeless to find a small apartment
The table also receives support from the refugee aid Erding, which contributes to the supply of all those waiting with donations and the exchange of food.
“A vaccination bus has also stopped by twice to offer its services.
And in December we even got donated Christmas trees," reported Bauernfeind.
Supporters included, among others, the Helper Pig Association, Foodsharing, the Kolping Family, clubs and schools.
Although the focus is currently on the table, other activities were also discussed at the sparsely attended meeting.
The NBH was able to provide a homeless person with a small apartment.
He had previously lived in his car.
Some other offers, such as active support for the "Seniors help Seniors" campaign, had to be canceled due to the pandemic.
But Cornelia and Jürgen Sprunck want to invite you to "Music in the Afternoon" in the Stadthalle again in July.
And for children there will be a holiday fun campaign on August 9th, this time with paper crafts.
Of course, helping others also costs money, mostly through membership fees and donations.
The new cashier, Klaus Pfaffenberger, presented a long series of figures and reported a total of 128,000 euros in income and expenditure.
Last year, the association had earned around 45,000 euros with expenditures of around 49,000 euros, with the Tafel 18,000 euros in expenses compared to 25,000 euros in income.
This year, the financial plan provides for a total of 72,000 euros, which is also achieved by withdrawing 8,000 euros from reserves for the food bank.
By the way: Everything from the region is now also available in our regular Erding newsletter.
