Finland has started distributing free soups due to rising poverty

In the Finnish city of Tampere, hot soup was distributed free of charge before food packages were distributed, as more and more people in need come hungry for help. This was announced on July 15 by the Yle television and radio company.

"This has become a new phenomenon in the last couple of years. Many people, when they come for a grocery package, are so hungry that they immediately eat a banana or a loaf of bread on the spot... The goal is for the food package to be taken home by those in need," said Marjo Mailund, head of the local branch of the Red Cross charity organization.

As noted by Yle TV channel, the number of requests for food aid in the city continues to grow along with an increase in poverty. So far, the distribution of hot soups is being carried out in a pilot mode, but the organizers expect to make it permanent.

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The economic situation in the country is deteriorating

Yle noted on June 24 that Finland recorded a record number of unemployed citizens for the 21st century: in May 2026, the number of unemployed aged 15 to 74 years was 376 thousand people. It is added that the number of unemployed in the age group from 15 to 24 years has increased by about 44 thousand people compared to May last year.

On June 3, Eurostat added that in Finland, unemployment rose to 10.8% in May, reaching its highest level since December 1998. Financial advisor and founder of Rodin.Alexey Rodin explained that the Finnish labor market of the country found itself in an "unemployed trap" against the background of anti-Russian sanctions of the European Union (EU). According to him, Europe's rejection of energy resources from Russia and the transition to more expensive alternatives has led to an increase in business costs.