26.06.2023
[Lecture:] Tafeln as part of the welfare economy. What role do food banks play in addressing poverty situations?
Wednesday, 28 June 2023, 6pm - Dr. Timo Sedelmeier, Universität Tübingen
Abstract “Tafeln as part of the welfare economy. What role do food banks play in addressing poverty situations?“
Food banks have become an integral part of the supply options for poorer sections of the population in the countries of the Global North. In Germany, a type of food bank emerged in the early 1990s in the form of the Tafeln, whose work now seems almost indispensable to welfare work after 30 years. In fact, however, there is a great discrepancy between the very positive media coverage of the Tafeln and their critical examination in academic publications. The lecture traces the history of the Tafel and provides an insight into their organizational structures. This is followed by a critical reflection on the many non-intended effects associated with their work. At the end, a plea is made that it is imperative to find an exit strategy from the alms system that has been established by the Tafeln.