Title contestant for Freisinger table champion in 2024: "We'll ensure nobody stands in the pouring rain"
**Freising Food Bank Overcomes Challenges in 2024**
In the heart of Freising, Germany, the Freising Food Bank (Freisinger Tafel) continued its mission to provide essential food support to those in need, despite facing unprecedented challenges in 2024. The organisation, led by Chairman Manfred Schimmerer, successfully managed to keep operations running adequately, serving over 10,000 volunteer hours and distributing over 180 tons of food annually.
The year began with a surge in donations from schools and kindergartens, resulting in an impressive 300 pick-ups per week – a figure that exceeded the "magic limit". However, this success led to a temporary suspension of new registrations due to the strain on resources, with over 50 pick-ups more than the maximum limit of 300 per week.
In response to the increased demand, the food bank made strategic moves to expand its operations. This included the installation of an information board for new customers, the renovation of the entrance area and kitchen, and the purchase of two new refrigerated vehicles, all made possible through generous donations.
The financial support of the people of Freising was greatly appreciated and admired by the food bank. Gerold Blaumoser, the operations manager, reported that the feared decline in food donations did not materialize in 2024. Instead, the food bank was able to bridge critical weeks by purchasing additional food, ensuring that no one was left out in the cold.
The number of regular customers increased by 72 in 2024, and the number of Ukrainian refugees increased by 150. To accommodate this influx, the food bank increased the number of active helpers to almost 90. These volunteers contributed around 10,000 hours in 2024, moving an average of four tons of food per week.
Gerold Blaumoser expressed pride in the achievements and results of the Freising Food Bank in 2024. The organisation successfully served all customers, providing nutritious food and reducing food insecurity within the community. The increased community involvement and awareness of food poverty issues also contributed to social cohesion in Freising.
The annual meeting of the Freising Food Bank was held in the Sparkasse hall, where the organisation celebrated its resilience and the impact it had on the local community. As the food bank looks towards the future, it continues to seek ways to provide essential support to those in need, fostering a sense of unity and compassion within the community of Freising.
Grateful for the community's generosity, Freising Food Bank made enhancements to its home-and-garden to accommodate the growing number of customers, redesigning the entrance area, installing an information board, and purchasing two refrigerated vehicles. Despite these advancements, the board recognized the need to maintain a lifestyle that prioritized helping those in need, serving over 10,000 volunteer hours and distributing over 180 tons of food annually.
