Rescue 48 kg food for poverty-affected people in Berlin

In Germany, millions of tons of food are thrown away every year (BMLEH 2022) – an enormous waste that burdens the environment and resources and contradicts existing poverty (European Parliament 2024). In Berlin alone, one in five people is considered at risk of poverty (Robert Koch Institute 2024). This is precisely where the Berlin Food Bank comes in: For over 30 years, volunteers have been rescuing edible food and bringing it to where it is urgently needed. Every day, the Food Bank's vans drive through the city collecting surplus goods from supermarkets, bakeries, and producers. Day-old bread, still-crisp vegetables, or yogurt nearing its expiration date – everything that is still good is sorted and distributed. This way, less food ends up in the trash, while people affected by poverty are relieved of this burden and gain access to healthy food.
Every year, the Berlin Food Bank rescues several thousand tons of food and supplies it to over 400 social service organizations in the city. More than 2,000 volunteers lend a hand. They all transform surplus food into valuable meals and real help. Food rescue means more than just everyday support: it's climate protection in action. Every kilogram that isn't thrown away saves water, energy, and arable land, thus reducing greenhouse gases. The Berlin Food Bank bridges the gap between abundance and scarcity, providing not only food, but also dignity, hope, and inclusion.