Many stay hungry

30 percent restrict themselves when buying food

According to Statistics Austria, more than 30 percent are already cutting back on food purchases (symbolic image).

(Bild: APA/AFP/Jonathan NACKSTRAND)

More than 30 percent of Austrians restrict themselves when buying food. This is the result of a survey by Statistics Austria on the social consequences of the crisis in the fourth quarter of 2023. Around three percent even stated that they were often or sometimes unable to afford enough to eat.

The unemployed and single parents have been particularly hungry in recent months. A further 29% said that their household was able to buy enough food, but not always the food they wanted. According to Statistics Austria, these data on food poverty were collected for the first time. 

The 3200 respondents (aged 18 to 74) were also concerned about housing and energy costs. For around one in five people, these are a heavy financial burden, with 17 percent expecting payment difficulties in the next three months. The data was collected in November and December.

Unemployed people and single parents in particular have been unable to buy enough food in recent months (symbolic image).

(Bild: mila103 - stock.adobe.com)

16 percent have difficulties with income
Inflation is perceived by respondents as the most important cause of income loss. In the fourth quarter, 16% had difficulties making ends meet with their income. More than one in four people (28%) stated that they had suffered a loss of income in the past twelve months. This proportion has fallen compared to the previous year.

Rauch: Providing people with basic necessities
"The fact that people in a rich country like Austria remain hungry is completely unacceptable to me," said Social Affairs and Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens). In federal states governed by a black-blue coalition, not even the existing possibilities to provide people in poverty with the bare necessities were being used. In addition, for example, a basic child benefit is needed.

Based on the results, Caritas Austria Secretary General Anna Parr called for higher unemployment benefits, higher unemployment assistance and a compensatory allowance. The payments should not fall below the at-risk-of-poverty threshold.