A Holiday Meal for All

Why Every European Deserves a Warm Meal During the Holidays

As the holiday season approaches, millions of Europeans will gather around tables filled with laughter, warmth, and food that brings families together. Yet for far too many, this simple act remains out of reach. Across Europe, economic uncertainty, rising living costs, and conflict-driven displacement have left countless individuals struggling to afford even the most basic necessities. At a time meant for togetherness, too many people face empty plates.

The European Food Banks Federation (FEBA) works every day to change that reality. Through a network of national food banks and thousands of local charities, FEBA rescues surplus food that would otherwise go to waste and redirects it to those in need. What begins as an act of recovery becomes an act of compassion—transforming surplus into sustenance, and sustenance into hope.

During the holidays, the importance of FEBA’s mission becomes even more visible. Food is not just nourishment; it is a symbol of belonging, dignity, and community. A warm meal shared with others restores more than strength—it restores a sense of humanity. Whether it’s a single mother trying to provide a special dinner for her children, an elderly neighbor facing isolation, or a family displaced by war or hardship, a warm meal can mean the difference between despair and connection.

Europe prides itself on solidarity, yet the gap between abundance and need continues to grow. According to recent estimates, tens of millions across the continent are at risk of food insecurity. Inflation has made staple foods less affordable, and many households must choose between heating their homes or filling their plates. In this context, the work of FEBA’s member food banks becomes a lifeline—providing both nourishment and reassurance that no one is forgotten.

A warm meal is more than calories on a plate; it represents care. Volunteers across Europe spend countless hours sorting, packaging, and delivering food, embodying the spirit of giving that defines this season. Behind every donated meal lies a story of generosity—farmers, manufacturers, retailers, and individuals coming together to ensure that food finds its rightful place: on someone’s table, not in a landfill.

This holiday season, FEBA calls on everyone—companies, institutions, and citizens—to join in solidarity. Every contribution, whether food, funds, or time, helps ensure that the spirit of the holidays reaches every corner of Europe. Together, we can transform surplus into smiles, waste into warmth, and food insecurity into shared humanity.

At its heart, FEBA’s work is not just about food—it is about the promise of a better Europe. One where no one has to go to bed hungry, especially when the world around them is celebrating abundance. When we make sure every person can enjoy a warm meal, we reaffirm the values that unite us: compassion, dignity, and hope.

Because in Europe, no one should be left out of the warmth of the holidays.