The great importance of non-profit organizations is typical characteristic of Tyrol. Voluntary work contributes substantially to a sustainable development of the region. MPREIS usually supports social and cultural projects in a non-bureaucratic way with donations-in-kind.

In the summer of 2005, a socially oriented supermarket was opened on Adamgasse in Innsbruck as an initiative of Caritas, the city of Innsbruck and the chamber of labour. This “social market” offers food and articles of daily use at significantly reduced prices to low-income groups.

MPREIS was already actively involved in the preparation phase for this important institution. Its store construction unit contributed valuable know-how and made MPREIS furniture and material available for the market. MPREIS regularly supplies the social market with perfectly edible groceries that may have faulty packaging, wrong labelling or a close expiry date. Other suppliers include producers such as Tirolmilch, Darbo, Recheis, Metro as well as other trading companies.

Shopping at the social market requires an authorization card that can be obtained directly at the store by individuals whose monthly net income is below € 700.-,  an additional €80. is added to this limit for each child. The store also employs four disadvantaged individuals and provides them with a meaningful occupation.

Relieving poverty, making use of food products that are otherwise difficult to market and creating networks are key objectives of the first Tyrolean social market.

Other social markets were opened meanwhile in Schwaz and Imst, both are also supported by MPREIS.