The number of customers knocking on the door of the Eindhovense Voedselbank (Eindhoven Food Bank)has increased considerably in the last 18 months, despite the booming economy.
At the end of 2017, some 482 households received a weekly food package. This number has now increased to more than 600 families. In total, more than 1200 mouths are being fed.
According to the Voedselbank, Eindhoven does not differ in this regard compared to the national picture. The poverty organisation not only sees the customer base growing but also changing. For example, people living alone and single-parent families are often helped.
More senior citizens
The number of elderly people asking for help is also on the rise. The latter group may find it difficult because the cost of living has risen faster than pensions and the AOW – the governmental senior citizen pension.
The Netherlands Institute for Social Research recently reported that poverty in the Netherlands had fallen between 2013 and 2017. According to this knowledge institute, this was due to the growing economy.
Source: Studio040
Translator: Chaitali Sengupta, who gives Inburgering classes. For more info: https://www.facebook.com/OnpointCC/?modal=admin_todo_tour
Editor: Melinda Walraven
