Foreigners welcome to apply at German food bank after outcry

Essener Tafel made international headlines and prompted debate in Germany earlier this year after saying that non-Germans would no longer be allowed to submit new applications for food aid.

The charity, located in the western city of Essen, stopped accepting new applications for food aid from non-Germans on January 10, noting that multiple German clients – especially the elderly and single parents – had complained about the behaviour of the foreigners during food handouts.

Many accused the organization of being xenophobic. Chancellor Angela Merkel also criticized the policy.

A policy change announced last week by the charity, which operates food banks across Germany, means that nationality can no longer play a role in who gets help.

If supplies are short, clients over the age of 50, the disabled, single-parent families and those with small children will be prioritized.

The charity operates across 11 locations and hands out supplies each week to some 1,800 people, and reaches an estimated 6,000 people in total with its food aid.

Tafel organizations nationwide provide support for about 1.5 million people regularly.

Source: dpa