The Fight Against Hunger: 30 Years of "Misereor" and "Brot für die Welt"

This official Ersttagsblatt (5/1989) commemorates the 30th anniversary of two of Germany's most prominent faith-based relief organizations: the Catholic agency Misereor and the Protestant initiative Brot für die Welt (Bread for the World). Released by the Deutsche Bundespost on January 12, 1989, the 80 Pfennig stamp features a symbolic image of parched, cracked earth with a single green sprout, representing hope amidst global hunger and environmental challenges.

The extensive historical background on the reverse of the sheet details their humanitarian missions:

Misereor: Founded in 1958 by German Catholic Bishops, its first "Lenten Campaign" against hunger and disease in 1959 raised approximately 35 million DM. The organization focuses on "helping people help themselves," supporting thousands of projects in agriculture, health, and social work.

Brot für die Welt: Established in Berlin in 1959, it grew into the largest ever church-led fundraising campaign in Germany. It advocates for "Justice for the Poor" and supports over 1,000 projects annually across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Artistic Design: The stamp and the specialized first-day cancellation from Bonn were designed by Walter Rogger. The cancellation postmark depicts a stylized branch with leaves, symbolizing growth and the fruitful cooperation of these two organizations.