title: Healthy action against poverty: a descriptive analysis of food redistribution charity clients in Berlin, Germany.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The socio-economic gap and its associated health inequalities are increasing in Germany. Actions against poverty include the redistribution of foods through charities. One project supported by the main German food redistribution charity is offering fresh produce including mostly fruits, vegetables and bread to people receiving welfare in Berlin, Germany.
  
  
  METHODS
  Through retrospective analysis of monthly visits (from January 2006 to June 2010) data from 45 surplus food redistribution points was examined. Clients' health status and health behaviour were examined using self-report questionnaires.
  
  
  RESULTS
  On average, 10,485 people visited the 45 food redistribution points weekly. A monthly increase of ∼900 additional clients per week over all distribution points could be observed since 2006. The percentage of retirees (28.2%), single parents (20.6%) and families with children (29.5%) was high. The results of the self-report questionnaires (n=101) revealed a sample population with a high percentage of smokers (59.4%) and moderate to heavy alcohol consumers (58.8%). Buying additional fruits and vegetables to those received through distribution points and eating breakfast regularly was associated with significantly better self- rated health status.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Especially, vulnerable groups appear to supplement their diet with fresh produce from food redistribution points. The health status of the sample population is somewhat different from the German population with more unhealthy behavioural patterns. Future research is necessary to further investigate this impoverished population with increased health risks.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité University Medical Center, Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tinnemann
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pastätter
authors.forename: Stefan N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Willich
authors.forename: Nanette
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Stroebele
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002608:Charities; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D063105:Food Assistance / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005523:Food Supply / Q000379:methods*; D005858:Germany; D015438:Health Behavior; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011203:Poverty; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D057566:Self Report; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult