The cost of living in Germany has increased significantly in recent years, especially for food and energy. According to a recent report by the Federal Statistical Office, more than 13 million people in Germany are at risk of poverty or social exclusion, meaning they have difficulties meeting their basic needs. One of the consequences of this situation is that many Germans cannot afford to eat healthy and balanced meals on a regular basis.
The report, which is based on data from 2020, shows that 16.1% of the population in Germany faced severe material deprivation, an increase of 2.3 percentage points compared to 2019. This means that they had to cut back on essential expenses such as heating, rent, clothing, or health care.
Among them, 6.9% also experienced food insecurity, meaning they could not afford a meal with meat, chicken, fish, or a vegetarian equivalent every second day. This was an increase of 1.4 percentage points compared to 2019.
The report also reveals that food prices in Germany rose by 2.4% in 2020, while energy prices increased by 2.9%. These increases were higher than the average inflation rate of 0.5% in the same year. The main factors behind the rising food prices were the coronavirus pandemic, which disrupted supply chains and increased demand for certain products, as well as the African swine fever, which reduced pork production and exports.
The rising food prices have a disproportionate impact on low-income households, who spend a larger share of their income on food than higher-income households. According to a study by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), low-income households spent 16.5% of their income on food in 2019, while high-income households spent only 10.4%.
The study also found that low-income households tend to consume less fruits, vegetables, and dairy products than high-income households, which can have negative effects on their health and well-being.
To address this issue, some experts and organizations have called for more support and assistance for low-income households, such as increasing social benefits, expanding food banks, and providing free school meals. They have also urged the government to implement measures to reduce food waste, promote sustainable agriculture, and regulate food prices.