The air is thick with anticipation, a palpable mix of hope and weariness. It’s just days before Christmas, December 23, 2025, and at the Munich Tafel’s Großmarkt distribution center in Sendling, a long queue snakes around the building. Hundreds of individuals, from the elderly leaning on rollators to young parents cradling infants, await their turn. This scene, repeated weekly, paints a vivid picture of the varied faces of poverty in Munich and underscores the critical role of the Tafel’s dedicated volunteers.
The Many Faces of Poverty in Munich
According to Munich’s Department of Social Affairs, approximately 265,600 people were at risk of poverty in 2022, defined as having less than 1,540 Euros per month. Of these, around 22,000 individuals receive weekly food support from the Munich Tafel. On a typical Wednesday, the Sendling distribution point alone serves about 700 people.
Among them is Anna Nowak (27), who prefers not to use her real name. A mother on parental leave, living alone with her son, Anna initially found it difficult to seek help. “I was embarrassed,” she admits. Now, several months later, she feels comfortable and grateful. “Nobody judges you here.” The support is immense, reducing her weekly food expenses from 100 to about 30 Euros, allowing her to manage financially.
Daria Strakovich (38), a late repatriate from Russia who arrived in Munich five years ago, also relies on the Tafel. Currently job-seeking and attending a German language course, Daria says the food donations are crucial. She has even found a sense of community. “I’ve made some good friends here,” she shares, appreciating the conversations and the kindness of the volunteers.
The Unsung Heroes: Volunteers at the Heart of the Tafel
Behind the scenes, a team of around 20 tireless volunteers sorts vegetables – today, mainly cabbage and lettuce – ensuring fair distribution. Ralf Durstewitz (63), a retired man with a Marvel cap and a cheerful demeanor, is one of them. “I have time and I like to help,” he says, having volunteered for six months. He finds a “joyful exhaustion” at the end of each day, knowing he’s made a difference. Durstewitz notes that basic foodstuffs and fresh produce are often scarce, especially before Christmas, though today, oranges are plentiful thanks to a 100,000 Euro donation from Amazon.
Steffen Horak, the Tafel’s press spokesperson, explains that such donations are increasingly vital. Supermarkets, post-pandemic, have become more efficient in managing stock, leading to fewer surpluses. While good for reducing food waste, this trend complicates the Tafel’s work, necessitating more purchases and collaborations with industry and agriculture. Providing one person with food for a year costs 87 Euros – 56 for logistics and 22 for purchases. “Some Munich residents spend that in one evening,” Horak points out.
Christiana Nikolasaschwili, who has volunteered for ten years, manages the entrance with two colleagues. She dismisses any prejudices against Tafel guests: “Nobody comes here voluntarily.” Though she often feels compassion, she has learned not to carry the emotional burden home. “As soon as you do that, it becomes difficult,” she states, maintaining fairness even when a woman tries to jump the queue.
Hubert Fischer (59) and Selina Weininger (24) explain to waiting guests that the bread delivery is late. “It really hurts my soul sometimes,” says Fischer, wishing for more consistent donations. Weininger, offering a croissant or donut to a woman, has to decline when asked for more. “Sometimes there’s more, sometimes less.”
A Small Christmas Miracle and a Promise for the New Year
This is the last distribution before the Christmas holidays, so there are also gifts – lovingly packed by kindergarteners and schoolchildren, each marked with an age recommendation. Finally, just before 3 PM, the bread arrives, quickly distributed to the grateful recipients. An elderly woman in an electric scooter approaches the volunteers at the exit. “I wanted to say thank you,” she whispers, “and wish you a Merry Christmas.” She drives off slowly, her basket filled with food and a bouquet of flowers.
After the last guest is served, the volunteers gather for their own small Christmas celebration, a festive end to another year of dedicated service. The Coca-Cola Christmas truck and a food truck add to the celebratory atmosphere, a well-deserved thank you for ensuring that no one goes home empty-handed throughout the year.
Source: https://www.abendzeitung-muenchen.de/muenchen/87-euro-fuer-ein-ganzes-jahr-wie-die-muenchner-tafel-menschen-in-not-hilft-art-1101442
