Pensioner discount in the Teiba market: Fight against old-age poverty in Neuruppin!

Pensioner discount in the Teiba market: Fight against old-age poverty in Neuruppin!

In Neuruppin, an Arabic supermarket is bringing a breath of fresh air to the neighborhood and paying particular attention to the needs of older people. Ruola Ftahy and her husband Yasser Daaboul, who have been running Teiba Market since August 2022, have decided to support pensioners with a permanent discount. Eleven percent less on purchases – that is a welcome relief for many seniors who are often affected by poverty in old age.

The story of one of Ruola's neighbors, who has to get by on a pension of just 500 euros a month, is particularly impressive. This sum is barely enough for rent, let alone food. With the inflation rate of 2.3% in October 2025, the financial situation of many people will become even more precarious because purchasing power is constantly decreasing. According to the Berlin-Brandenburg Statistics Office, around 13% of Brandenburg residents over 65 were at risk of poverty in 2024. In fact, someone is considered to be at risk of poverty if their income is less than 60% of the median income, which corresponds to around 1200 euros per month for people living alone, as WDR reports.

A market full of diversity

The Teiba Market offers a wide range of products that are particularly important for culturally diverse customers. With over 30 types of rice, 72 spices and 50 types of tea, there is something for every taste. There is also halal slaughtered meat, which is prepared according to Islamic regulations. Halal means something like “permitted” or “pure”, and therefore offers many customers an important choice that meets their ethical and religious requirements.

It's not just food that is the focus of the supermarket. Ruola and Yasser have also taken into account the needs of older people and, in addition to groceries, also offer drugstore items, baking molds and shopping bags. With prices like 80 cents for five flatbreads and the most expensive box of confectionery for 27 euros, they prove that good value for money is very popular.

Ahmad Al Hello, who has been working at the checkout since May 2025, says of many regular customers: "There are a lot of requests for special foods. People appreciate the variety here." The Teiba Market's efforts to be a social contact point and at the same time respond to the needs of pensioners through discounts could serve as a model for other business models in similar regions.

A look into the future

The current situation highlights the challenges that many people in the region face. Poverty in old age is not just an individual problem, but a social problem that, according to relevant reports, is taken seriously by the EU and other organizations. Relative poverty should not only be measured by existential hardship, but also by participation in social life. WDR explicitly mentions this fact and calls for a rethink in the fight against poverty.

A city like Neuruppin, with its many social challenges, needs initiatives like the Teiba Market. This shows that entrepreneurs with heart and overview not only think economically, but can also take on social responsibility. At a time when many people are struggling to make ends meet, this is an encouraging approach.

The number of seniors at risk of poverty is expected to increase, and it's time to encourage other business owners to follow similar paths. Because a community of solidarity is always a strong community!

For further information on the challenges of old-age poverty and its impact on society, those interested can read the reports on MAZ and find out more provide information about the history of the city of Neuruppin, which shows how local businesses can operate in these times.