Austria's hidden crisis: 1.1 million face food poverty this winter

Austria is facing a growing food poverty crisis, with 1.1 million people struggling to afford proper meals. The Samaritan Federation has now launched the Hunger Winter campaign to highlight the issue and call for public support. Actors Cornelius Obonya and Günther Paal are backing the initiative, urging donations to help those in need. Food poverty affects 12% of Austria’s population, hitting single parents, unemployed individuals, and single-person households the hardest. Many skip meals or rely on cheap, processed foods, increasing the risk of obesity, diabetes, and mental health problems.

The Samaritan Federation already distributes 600 free food parcels each month, including fresh produce and hygiene essentials. Their *Samaritan Food Box* programme began with government funding but now depends entirely on donations. To raise awareness, the campaign will project donation appeals onto the MuseumsQuartier façade and place a collection box at the MQ Infopoint. Contributions can be made online via the Samaritan Federation’s website or by bank transfer to Erste Bank, using the reference *Armvent* AAN.

The Hunger Winter campaign aims to tackle food poverty by providing direct aid and encouraging public donations. Without further support, many vulnerable households will continue to face malnutrition and its long-term health consequences. The Samaritan Federation’s efforts rely on ongoing contributions to sustain their food distribution programmes.