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Food distribution in Sülz: This is how the church supports those in need!
Find out more about the food distribution in the Church of St. Karl, Cologne, and the commitment of Deacon Hanno Sprissler.
Food distribution in Sülz: This is how the church supports those in need!
In Cologne-Sülz it was again “Hallelujah” at the food distribution in the St. Karl Church on Wednesday afternoon. At half past one, the guests were already crowding into the light-flooded church full of anticipation to stock up on fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods and refrigerated products. The edition is organized by a dedicated team of around 150 volunteers who provide valuable help - like Sascha, a long-time guest who has been actively involved for over a year. For him, it is not only a way to support others, but also an opportunity to socialize and give something back.
The food distribution was launched in November 2020 when the pandemic left many people in need. The first time there were only 50 visitors and five volunteers. Today the queues are often visible as far away as Zülpicher Strasse, a sign of how much the need in the community has grown. Hanno Sprissler, deacon since 2013, is the head behind this and many other charitable initiatives in the region. His projects include not only the FC food distribution and the “Sülz und Pfeffer” food distribution, but also the Veedelsschrank and Krimskrams-Karl, which support people with second-hand clothing and household goods.
Justice for all
“For me, the greatest challenge is to create justice,” says Sprissler, who attaches great importance to the dignity and appreciation of the guests. These ideals are expressed in the church's slogan: “Church for body and soul”. To ensure fair distribution, there is a rotation system in which participants are divided into four alphabetically sorted groups. It is also important to offer guests empathetic support, which is provided by a so-called “Feel Good Team” that is there to help in difficult moments.
The conditions of participation are clear: In order to take part in the food distribution, visitors must bring proof of their need, be it a Cologne pass, a job center notice or a residence permit. And not just on Wednesdays from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., people from other parts of Cologne are also welcome on Saturdays.
The numbers from the Cologne board
The Kölner Tafel plays an important role in the city's social network. There are various distribution points, most of which are organized by parishes, associations or citizens' initiatives. Here is an overview of some of the food distribution points in Cologne:
| district | address | Opening hours | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old town north/south | At Lyskirchen 10, 50676 Cologne | Thursdays 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m | Existing customers 3:00 p.m., new registrations 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m |
| Bayenthal | Brühler Str. 74, 50968 Cologne | Mondays 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m | Mondays 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m |
| Bickendorf | Ossendorfer Weg 5, 50827 Cologne | Thursdays 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m | Wednesdays 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (in person) |
| picture sticks | 304 Escher St | Thursdays 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m | Thursdays 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (proof of need) |
| Chorweiler | Pariser Platz 1, 50765 Cologne | Tue, Wed, Thu 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m | Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Cologne passes required) |
Sprissler would like to further strengthen social services and, above all, support people in poverty. His vision for the mayor aims to improve advice for those in need and, if possible, alleviate the challenges that many face. Because one thing is clear: “Human dignity is inviolable,” and this is lived every day in Sülz.
For more information about the distribution points and the Kölner Tafel you can visit the website tafel.koeln visit.
In times when social challenges are omnipresent, the team around Deacon Hanno Sprissler shows that community cohesion and support manifests itself through voluntary commitment. This is an important message in the city of Cologne that gives courage and hope.