For the poor in Germany, fruits and vegetables may become unaffordable

Published 2021년 9월 27일

Tridge summary

In August, prices for fruits and vegetables significantly increased, with vegetables rising by 9% and fruits by 2.5% year on year. However, recipients of Hartz-IV, Germany's basic unemployment benefit, only received a minimal increase of three euros per month since January. Social associations and nutrition experts warn that the rising food prices are leading to food insecurity for low-income individuals. The German Diabetes Society and the German Alliance for Noncommunicable Diseases have proposed exempting diabetic foods, fruits, vegetables, and nuts from VAT and imposing a 29% tax on unhealthy foods high in sugar to make healthy food more accessible to those with limited means.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

Prices for fruits and vegetables partially rose sharply in August. But recipients of Hartz-IV (basic unemployment benefit of the second level. Officially called Arbeitslosengeld II, the amount is 446 euros) should only receive three euros more per month since January. This is too little to eat properly, the social association VdK warns. Social associations and nutrition experts warn of the social and health consequences of skyrocketing prices for healthy food, according to tagesschau.de “Fruits and vegetables will forever become a luxury item for low-income people and people with basic security due to price increases that they can no longer afford,” said Verena Bentele, president of the social association VdK. Food prices rose 4.6% year on year in August, according to the Federal Statistical Office. At the same time, consumers have recently had to pay for vegetables by 9% more than a year ago, salad has risen in price by 38%. Prices for fruits increased by 2.5%. The Hartz-IV ...

Source: Agroxxi