One meal a day: retirees in Austria struggle with rising prices
The inflation crisis in Austria is hitting the most vulnerable groups hard, as many retirees can no longer cover basic living expenses. Official figures indicate that inflation rose to 4.1 percent in August, driven by rising rents, energy, and food prices. For low-income families, these increases are catastrophic.
One retiree, Manfred L., 68 years old, worked his whole life but now lives on the minimum pension in Vienna. Since the death of his wife 15 years ago, he has been living alone in a rented apartment. The rising costs have burdened him: his rent has gradually increased, while his gas and electricity bills have doubled despite his efforts to reduce consumption.
Food has become the biggest burden for him. Manfred says that fruits and vegetables have become almost unattainable, and coffee has turned into a luxury. Even basic items like butter, eggs, and flour have become hard to come by. Unexpected expenses, such as medicine or medical appointments, add to the strain on his budget. To save money for a new gas kettle, he had to settle for just one meal a day.
And he is not alone in this. The Caritas organization, which manages social counseling centers and food distribution in Austria, confirms that the demand for its services has risen sharply. Since 2022, requests for its social counseling centers have increased by nearly 40 percent. At Le+O distribution points, up to 20 tons of rescued food are delivered weekly to people struggling to survive. Manfred is one of those who rely on these services.
Caritas director Klaus Schwertner warned that low-income individuals feel the impact of any price increase sharply. He said, "Housing and energy costs, along with rising food prices, are pushing people to the brink of collapse. No one should be forced to choose between paying rent and having enough food." To continue providing assistance, Caritas is calling for more donations. A contribution of 25 euros, whether one-time or monthly, can provide basic food packages for individuals and families living in poverty.