Food shortages and high fuel prices are putting heavy pressure on the wealth markets in Vienna. The first operating association has already gone bankrupt and has had to close its sales premises. Those who continue to fear for their survival.
It’s a vicious circle: more and more people depend on what the social markets have to offer, because they can no longer afford to shop elsewhere. At the same time, the facilities themselves are running out. Horrible energy costs, rising fuel prices and food shortages are causing all SOMA shops to get into serious trouble.
The association “Sozial-Shop” went bankrupt with four branches and had to lower the shutters. In March, there was a big call for donations on social media. Vain!
Andrea Kotesovec is also up to his neck in water. For six years now, she has been running two “Allesverwerter” branches, one on Herzgasse in Vienna’s 10th district and one on Possingergasse in the 16th district. With her, customers get an entire shopping cart for only eight euros. But even this is getting harder to fill. “There is currently a special shortage of detergents,” says the manager. But oil, sugar and flour are also missing from the shelves.
Higher fuel costs due to further donations
Kotesovec picks up the stuff with vans. She now has to go to more and more supermarkets. That means longer roads. “I used to fill up for 100 euros, now I pay 170 euros,” Kotesovec complains. She is dependent on all support, otherwise “Allesverwerter” will also have to close its doors.
“We would be very happy with fuel vouchers, they can simply be returned to our shop, for ten euros we can fill up with five liters,” says the 57-year-old. But energy costs are also a major burden. “But we can’t turn off the refrigerators!” says Kotesovec.
The crisis is already having a noticeable impact on customers: when it comes to food distribution by Volkshilfe Wien, up to 100 needy people have to be turned away every week because the packages are no longer enough for everyone. Among them are many refugees from Ukraine.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
