Food urgently needed: gifts for a happy holiday!

Food urgently needed: gifts for a happy holiday!

The situation in the social markets in Austria is becoming increasingly precarious, especially in Styria. The Vinzimarkt in Graz has seen a 15 percent increase in customers within just two months. Over 130 people stream in within four hours, reports market manager Sigrid Wimmer. Many families are facing financial constraints during this time and don't know how to give their children gifts for Christmas. In addition to the urgently needed basic foods, fresh products such as meat and fish are particularly missing.

Demand in other social markets is also increasing

The situation in Leoben, at the economic and employment initiative WBI, is no better. Managing director Wolfgang Winterer describes that fresh vegetables and fruit often arrive in very limited quantities and are sometimes already on the verge of expiry. Currently around 300 people are entitled to shop at the social market. The situation in the Caritas solidarity market in Hartberg is similarly dramatic, where manager Gerlinde Schiester reports that long-life foods such as flour, sugar and rice are urgently needed. These products are not only important for everyday needs, but also especially for the upcoming holidays.

The demand for donated food increases particularly in the run-up to Christmas. The social markets try to provide their customers not only with food, but also with small gifts in the form of chocolate, warm socks and tea towels. This gesture is intended to help everyone have a wonderful Christmas, reports Caritas. Donations are therefore urgently sought to fill the shelves of the markets and support people during this difficult time, as well steiermark.ORF.at reported.