Greeks fight austerity with... potatoes

Greeks are finding novel ways to support each other and face the economic disaster in their country with a spirit of community and solidarity. Recent news reports show grass roots community projects springing up spontaneously all over Greece, such as the Potato Movement, soup kitchens, doctors volunteering at clinics and even theatrical events where tickets are bought with donated food.

News of the Potato Movement surfaced in mid March, and the scheme whereby local authorities, communities and farmers coordinate to sell directly to the public is spreading. Now, other staple foods are also being sold by farmers directly from trucks. The cost is around half the price in shops and the humble potato has quickly become a symbol for surviving Greek austerity. The figures for Greece tell a desperate tale, over 20 percent unemployed, and over 50 percent of young people out of work, GDP in 2011 Q4 7.5 percent down on the same quarter in 2010. One in 11 people in Athens fed by soup kitchens, 88 percent of Greeks say their financial situation got worse in the last two years and what the police term as 'crimes of survival' increasing. Read more about Greeks battling austerity here. Liam Lever, liam@romania-insider.com