Eckernförde: Tafel urgently needs volunteers and donations!

Eckernförde: Tafel urgently needs volunteers and donations!

In Eckernförde, the local food bank is struggling with a serious decline in volunteer help. At a time when donations from supermarkets are decreasing, the number of users remains relatively stable, which further complicates the situation. “Today is a major battle day,” commented Petra Winter, the head of the food bank, on the recent cheese donation from the Holtsee dairy, which is needed to support those in need.

Compared to other regions, the food bank in Eckernförde still draws a positive conclusion. The returning users, many of them refugees from Ukraine, have completed their language courses and are now returning to the job market, which has reduced demand for the board. Today the facility serves 400 to 450 communities in need, which underlines the importance of this contact point.

Support from volunteers

The food bank is maintained primarily through the support of volunteers. There are currently 70 volunteers - a decrease from 77 previously. This reduction in helpers has meant that the food bank has had to restructure its distribution times. The edition, which temporarily took place over two days, is now limited to Thursday, but with extended hours from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The volunteers like Helmut Petersen, a 78-year-old pensioner, are at the heart of this organization. Petersen, who lives on his small pension, is grateful for the support the food bank offers him. “Without the food bank it would be scarce,” he says after stocking up on fresh food.

Silke Kazemi, also a volunteer, describes the motivation behind her commitment: “At the same time, surplus food is put to good use.” Many volunteers also find social contacts and joy in their everyday lives through the food bank.

Financial support urgently needed

Despite the successes so far, the food bank not only relies on voluntary support, but also needs financial help. The costs for electricity, heating and vehicle maintenance must be covered by donations and proceeds from campaigns such as Christmas tree sales. The food bank recently received a donation of 1,100 euros from the Auf der Höhe service club, which is welcome support.

The cooperative housing company GWU provides the premises on Saxtorfer Weg free of charge, but ongoing operating costs continue to pose a challenge. The hope remains for the Tafel that new volunteers will be found to continue the important social network and maintain basic services for those in need in the region.