Food rescue: This is how the Wiener Neustadt social department store helps!

Food rescue: This is how the Wiener Neustadt social department store helps!

The social department store in Wiener Neustadt is an important contact point for many people in need. Franz Lechner has been running this facility for over 15 years, which grew out of a small flea market operation and now plays a central role in the region. The platform not only offers furniture and clothing, but also food that is often close to expiration but is still edible. Barbara Lechner confirms: "We look at everything carefully. Whatever is spoiled is sorted out." This dedicated work now attracts up to 1,000 people who rely on the support of the social department store krone.at reported.

Food rescue and support

A large number of volunteers not only help save food, but also create a community in which people feel comfortable. Many people use the offer to do their weekly shopping or to find inexpensive clothing. “I don’t feel embarrassed and I enjoy coming here,” says a customer. Particularly noteworthy is the weekly food distribution on Saturday, which allows visitors to take away free bags of food. “Here I can afford my weekly shopping and I also think it’s important that the food isn’t thrown away but saved,” says a young mother orf.at determines.

Most of the goods come to the market through donations or cheap remaining stock, but the social department store also has to contend with infrastructural challenges. The rooms are poorly insulated and have no heating, which causes problems, especially in winter. Franz Lechner is therefore urgently looking for financing options for a cooling system in order to be able to optimally store the fresh food even in summer. The social department store remains a living example of social responsibility and the valuable use of food in the region.