Food output in Sülz: This is how the church supports the needy!

Food output in Sülz: This is how the church supports the needy!

in Cologne-Sülz it was again called "Halleluja" on Wednesday at the food edition in the church of St. Karl. Already at half past one, the guests crowded with anticipation in the light -flooded church to stock up on fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods and cooling products. The issue 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 in over a year. For him it is not only a way to support others, but also an opportunity to make social contacts and return something.

The food distribution was launched in November 2020 when the pandemic brought many people in need. At that time, only 50 visitors and five volunteers had gathered for the first time. Today the snakes are often visible to 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. Among his projects there are not only the FC food edition and the food edition "Sülz and Pfeffer", but also the Veedelschrzen and Krimskrams-Karl, which support people with second-hand clothing and household goods.

justice for all

"For me it is the biggest challenge to produce justice," says Sprissler, who attaches great importance to the dignity and appreciation of the guests. These ideals are expressed in the slogan of the church: "Church for Body and Soul". To ensure fair distribution, there is a rotation system in which the participants are divided into four alphabetically sorted groups. It is also important to offer guests empathetic support, which is done by a so-called "Feel Good Team", which is at the side of difficult moments.

The conditions of participation are clear: In order to take part in the food distribution, visitors must provide evidence of their need, be it a Cologne pass, a job center notice or a residence permit. And not only on Wednesdays from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., because on Saturdays people from other Cologne Veedeln are also welcome.

The numbers of the Cologne Tafel

The Cologne Tafel has an important role in the city's social network. There are various output offices that are largely organized by parishes, associations or citizens' initiatives. Here is an overview of some of the food distributions in Cologne:

Sprissler wants to further strengthen social service and, above all, support people in poverty. His vision for the mayor aims to improve advice for the needy and to relieve the challenges that many have to put as much as possible. Because one thing is clear: "Human dignity is inviolable", and this is lived every day in Sülz.

For more information about the issuing offices and the Cologne Tafel, you can visit the website Tafel.koeln

In times when social challenges are omnipresent, the team led by Deacon Hanno Sprissler shows that community cohesion and support manifested themselves through volunteering. This is an important message in the city of Cologne that gives courage and hope.