Experience report: Support at Münchner Tafel

Help out with the Münchner Tafel? Amina and Hanne, 2 employees from Fonds Finanz, thought so too. Change the office chair and get involved actively, that was the motto. Die Münchner Tafel supplies 125,000 kilograms of food per week to more than 20,000 people in need at over 27 distribution points in Munich. They are regularly looking for volunteer supporters to help with the distribution of food. For years, employees from companies have also been working here to cooperate as part of a Social Day.

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Name of the project: Food Distribution at the Münchner Tafel

Why did you participate in the project?

H.: I already volunteered before fund finance, during the corona pandemic and really enjoyed helping other people who aren't doing as well as myself. I found the food distribution at the Blackboard very exciting as a project so that you can dive into an everyday situation and can also quickly get into conversation with people in need.

A: A place became available at short notice and since I was able to postpone all appointments that day, I was able to join in spontaneously. I've never helped with the Food Bank before and found the project totally interesting because I think this work is particularly important in times of inflation and ever-increasing food prices.

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What did you particularly like?

H.: The Gratitude of Those in Need Who Received the Food Was Felt from the Very First Second A Young Woman from Ukraine, Who Was Also Dependent on Food Distribution at the Food Bank, Distributed Cakes to All Helpers That was my goosebumps moment.

A.: Working outside with your own hands (sometimes as opposed to an office job) and that the employees at the blackboard are insane — you immediately realize that these are good people who like to be there for others. The customers who visited the food bank were also invariably likeable; a lady from Ukraine even brought brownies for the helpers.

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What did you perhaps not like so much?

H.: It was actually a bit physically demanding... Not that I didn't like it 😊 but it was just something completely different than spending 8 hours in the office.

A.: No lawsuits — I just didn't like the fact that there was so much need.

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How important is volunteer work to you?

H.: Volunteer work is very important to me personally. I think it's great that fund finance is offering many projects for this and will even organise a Social Week. On the one hand, it is nice to get away from everyday working life and gain new experience. On the other hand, I also really appreciate getting to know colleagues from other departments, spending a day together and doing something good (by the way).

A.: Important, even though it sometimes fails due to the time to do so.

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What are you taking away from the project?

H.: I understand that through very small gestures, such as smiling or a few nice words, you can make a lot of positive changes in working together.

A.: The Munich Food Banks are important and should be promoted much more (Aldi Süd supplies fresh food, for example) so that even more people can get free groceries — as we were told, the waiting lists are very long. GiesingZB currently provides for 250 beneficiaries, with x family members.

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3 words that best describe your volunteering experience?

H.: Gratitude, helpfulness, hands-on

A.: Close to life, human, absolutely participate 😊

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