Hauling boxes for three hours before going to the office – is that necessary?

Our colleague Astrid Hansen finds a clear answer: “Yes!”  

The statistics prove her right... According to the UN Food Waste Index from 2024, more than a billion tons of food that is still suitable for consumption ends up in trash cans worldwide. The German food bank and aid organization “Tafel Deutschland e.V.” helps to change that.  

Their mission? – Distribute high-quality food that is no longer used to people in need.  

Astrid is involved in the food bank in her town. We spoke to her about her commitment. 

Astrid, what does your work for the Tafel look like?

• In my district, the food bank supplies around 600 needy households with a total of 1,700 people. I am one of around 200 volunteers at this regional food bank association. My tasks include sorting donated food and preparing it for the recipients. I also provide support in administration and, for example, check who is considered needy and can obtain food through our organization. Other volunteers work in transportation, food distribution or fundraising. 

 What motivates you to get involved with the food bank?

• I don't consider the activity to be selfless at all. From day one, I met like-minded people who I feel incredibly comfortable around. A fun group. These volunteers simply put you in a good mood. I'm getting out of my bubble. The conversations with the recipients raise awareness of social issues.  
  And you can immediately see that the work is making a difference when you look at the many prepared baskets. The help goes 100% to the people in my own town.  

What would you like to say to those who are interested? How can you get involved? 

• You can work as a volunteer or contribute through donations (find a link regarding Germany at the right side of this page)