Innsbruck social supermarket draws 600 shoppers a day

About 600 people now buy groceries at Innsbruck’s social supermarket each day, as rising living costs put more households under pressure, ORF reports.

Food and energy prices have risen by an average of more than 30 percent since 2022. Market manager Evi Obermair said the number of shoppers had increased markedly over the past year and had risen again recently. The supermarket sells bread, fruit, vegetables and dairy products for a fraction of regular prices.

Many shoppers are worried that life will become even more expensive, particularly with energy costs expected to rise over the winter. Obermair said keeping homes warm, even to 18 to 20 degrees, had become a major concern.

The supermarket has also seen a new group of customers: local men and more women nearing the end of their working lives. They often find that their pensions are low and fixed costs leave little money for basic food, Obermair said.

Customers must provide proof of low income. A single person’s monthly net income must not exceed 1,200 euros. Much of the food is second-choice stock, close to its expiry date, incorrectly packaged or surplus. It comes from food retailers, farmers, catering businesses and individuals, and the supermarket says it welcomes new donors.