€2.52 per day for food is not sufficient.


Nearly 2.5 million children in Germany* live in poverty or under the threat of poverty. Most of these are the children of parents receiving social security benefits, of low earners and of single parents. Often, poverty is "inherited" from parents to children.
1965%20till%20today
Whereas in 1965, only one in 75 children under the age of seven was reliant on social security benefits, today, more than one in six children in Germany live at the poverty line** - an appalling fact.

The statutory social security allocation for food in Germany is €2.52 per day. The Research Institute of Child
Nutrition in Dortmund has proved that even when shopping in budget stores, €4.68 is required to ensure a balanced diet. When shopping for a balanced diet - in the regular supermarkets, - double that amount is generally required.

In addition to basic needs such as food, clothing and housing, the statutory social security rates are also intended to cover a child’s social and cultural needs, such as the costs for a sports club and visits to museums or the zoo. Whether, however, for children below the age of 14, a total amount of €208 *** per month, i.e. €6.81 per day is sufficient, is doubtful.

* Source: Armutsrisiken von Kindern und Jungendlichen in Deutschland (Poverty risks to children and young people in Germany) from Prognos AG, commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Family, Seniors, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ), 2008
** Source: Kinderreport Deutschland 2007 (Children Report Germany 2007)
*** Source: Statutory rate according to German Code of Social Law (SGB II), 2007