(Heiligenwald, 11.02.23) Today, MEP Manuela Ripa was a "winter helper" and helped serve food at the AWO winter café in Heiligenwald. The local fire department and the "cellar men" had cooked a typical Saarland dish: Schaales with stewed apples. Ripa is impressed by how many local people volunteered to help organize the winter café. Ripa: "The motto "Saarland moves closer together" is a living reality in Heligenwald! A big thank you to all of them!"

The importance of this commitment was demonstrated by the demand at the winter café: around 60 people dropped by and enjoyed the free lunch in a cozy atmosphere. The politician commented: "I am thinking of these people in particular today - they need all our attention! All levels of government must work to ensure that no one is left behind in the crisis we find ourselves in. We must minimize the negative impact of the energy crisis and inflation on the most vulnerable in our society. And each and every one of us can stand up for fellow human beings who are not doing so well and show solidarity."

Further winter cafés are being organized throughout Saarland until 31 March. An overview map with opening times can be found here: https://www.saarland.de/masfg/DE/portale/sozialesleben/winteraktionsaar/karte/kartenmodul/KartenPinSuche_form.html

On the same website you can also find an overview of where "winter helpers" are still needed and how you can donate.

Background to the winter cafés: Many people in Saarland are currently particularly affected by the energy crisis and high inflation and are struggling to pay for the exploding heating costs and increasingly expensive food. To help them, so-called "winter cafés" are currently being organized throughout our federal state, where free food is distributed. The campaign is part of the "Saar Winter Campaign", which was launched by the Saarland Ministry of Labor. The cafés are organized by various social associations, churches and local authorities, with many local companies donating food.