When it comes to urgent, everyday aid for individuals living on the poverty line in Graz, a city in Austria, Marienstüberl is reliably there every day, every week, every year. It is a safe and warm place for marginalized individuals to eat together, socialize and receive practical assistance from the dozens of volunteers who keep the operational cogs in motion every day of the year. As director Adam Lamprecht puts it, it is where vulnerable individuals “find peace and quiet and experience community.”

Migration to Austria

Since 2010, migration to Austria has been increasing due to conflicts in the Middle East, with the majority of migrants coming from Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, the Russian Federation, Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia and Georgia. Today, there are also many refugees from Ukraine, all seeking a stable life situation in one of Europe’s wealthiest countries. Wherever these communities originate geographically, there is a common theme that migrants face overwhelming bureaucratic and language barriers that hinder their integration into Austrian life.

With many still struggling to get a foot on the employment ladder, many end up in financial precarity.

Marienstüberl

This is where organizations like Marienstüberl come in. Located in the center of Graz, a few minutes’ walk from the main train station, Marienstüberl shares a large building with Caritas Steiermark. This umbrella organization oversees numerous social initiatives throughout the county. Large food deliveries, mass cooking and food distribution operations take place under one welcoming roof.

It is a place where vulnerable people can go every day for a warm meal and take free food boxes for themselves and their families. For many, it is their second home.

Food Collection

Marienstüberl addresses immediate needs, including food, warmth and shelter, directly. At 7:30 a.m. sharp, the van leaves with two volunteers ready to start their day with some heavy lifting. Years of networking and building a strong reputation as the center of poverty relief in Graz have led to fruitful partnerships with commercial supermarkets, including Spar, Billa and Pennymarkt, many of whose branches set aside unsold food for donation to Marienstüberl.

Often, a small bruise is enough for fruit and vegetables to be set aside, while yoghurts, pastries and bread form the bulk of the donations. With approximately eight supermarkets to visit before 10 a.m., this is physically taxing work. And it does not stop there. A throng of volunteers meets the van upon arrival and the donations are quickly sorted into nutritionally balanced food boxes ready for distribution.

For many, this is a lifeline. With migrants facing continual pushbacks and barriers to receiving state support, these donation boxes are both welcome and necessary.

320 Meals a Day

Meanwhile, the kitchen hums with activity, preparing more than 300 meals for the day. If there are leftovers, they serve perfectly as a snack to serve later in the day for any latecomers. In fact, Marienstüberl’s kitchen is so renowned that it has just released a cookbook.

The book features some of Styria’s most beloved dishes, some designed by esteemed local chefs and, of course, some of Marienstüberl’s own favorites and marks a major milestone. All proceeds will go directly to supporting the marginalized, migrant and refugee communities that frequent Marienstüberl.

30 Years of Poverty Relief in Graz — And Many More To Go

The cookbook marks the 30-year milestone for the organization. According to Caritas director Nora Tödtling-Musenbichler, the cookbook “builds a bridge between different worlds,” allowing those who cannot afford to put food on the table to go somewhere safe and enjoy a warm meal with others.

Indeed, as demonstrated by its thriving relationships with local supermarkets, Marienstüberl occupies a very special place in the Graz community. Attracting generosity from far and wide, major institutions such as Graz University Hospital and the cleaning company Saubermacher are establishing fundraising initiatives to support Marienstüberl.

Conclusion

Every day, every week, every year, Marienstüberl proves to be a close ally for those living in poverty in Graz. It would not be what it is without its extensive volunteer network. With hundreds supporting the cause, Marienstüberl’s contribution to poverty relief in Graz is vital and it shows no signs of slowing down.

– Saroj Spickett

Saroj is based in Belfast, Northern Ireland and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay