Fewer goods, more demand – social markets are increasingly puffing and coming under pressure. A regular customer (64) spoke openly to the “Krone” about why there is no shame in taking advantage of the offer and how the quality of life increases through social markets.
“The menu depends on what is there. Last week I was lucky because I caught a salmon.” – Renate Stieger (64) has been a regular customer at the Red Cross Social Market in Eferding for 13 years. She goes there once a week, on Tuesdays. “I could do it on Thursday, but one day is enough.”
30 euro budget for a week
The operator, who retired after illness at the age of 48, spends up to 30 euros. “The week before it was 23 euros. I checked what the goods cost in the supermarket – 100 euros will not get you by. Since I have been able to shop on the social market, my quality of life has improved,” says the minimum pensioner, who has to live on 1,050 euros per month.
The apartment alone costs 650 euros. “I worked with a friend. We now have a shared apartment and share the fixed costs.” This is also how the small car works, the only luxury for the disabled pensioner – but a necessary one.
A visit to a coffee house is not an option, “but I always treat myself to a cup of coffee at the social market. It costs 50 cents,” says Stieger, who especially praises the market staff: “Everyone is happy to see one.” Shame to shop here? “I’m glad this exists. Everyone who can and should use it should use it.”
540 tons of goods
Demand is increasing: 5,240 people in Upper Austria currently have authorization cards for RK social markets – the number of purchases increased by 50 percent to 80,000 in one year. “We sell 540 tons of goods,” says Paul Reinthaler, who is responsible for the markets, but is struggling with declining donations.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
