Rising Poverty in Sweden Doubles Demand for Aid as Red Cross Seeks Business Partnerships

Poverty and social vulnerability in Sweden have notably increased over the past year, with the Swedish Red Cross (Röda Korset) reporting a doubling in the number of people seeking assistance at its six largest support centers. Last year, more than 50,000 individuals received food aid, underscoring the severity of the situation. According to Ulrika Modéer, Secretary General of the Swedish Red Cross, the demographic of those seeking help has changed significantly — it now increasingly includes families with children, individuals with mental health problems, the unemployed, and people on sick leave.

A recent survey of more than 100 organizations across all 21 counties in Sweden revealed that 70% see rising social vulnerability, while 77% of those distributing food have had to expand their services. Furthermore, data shows that 30% of single parents earning under 30,000 SEK struggle to safely afford meals for their families, a 9% rise from the previous year.

Modéer warned that persistent social hardship risks triggering a downward spiral leading to worsening mental health, economic strain, social isolation, and eroded societal trust. To counter these trends, Röda Korset is actively seeking long-term partnerships with businesses to mobilize greater volunteer support, resources, and community engagement. Successful ongoing collaborations with companies such as ICA and Kronans Apotek serve as encouraging models.

Röda Korset, Sweden’s largest humanitarian volunteer organization, relies on its 23,000 volunteers and about 300 local associations to provide essential support including food, housing assistance, social connection, and help navigating authorities’ services.

Modéer emphasized the critical role businesses must play, stating that investing in a more humane and resilient Swedish society benefits everyone. As poverty rises alongside inflation and living costs, cross-sector collaboration appears essential to addressing the growing social vulnerability in the country.