Support Food Banks in Germany

Despite still being perfectly edible, tons of food are destroyed in Germany every day. At the same time, there are millions of people in this country who do not have enough to eat. The Tafel are working on bridging this gap between excess on the one hand and lack on the other. They collect qualitatively good food that would otherwise land in the garbage and distribute it for free or a symbolic amount to socially and economically disadvantaged people. There are currently more than 970 Tafel in Germany. All of them are nonprofit organizations. The Tafel support around 1.5 million people in need of food throughout the country – nearly one third of them are children and youth.

All the involved parties benefit from the Tafel idea: Grocers and producers take on social responsibility, and people in need receive much needed high quality groceries. Furthermore food waste is reduced, which protects the environment and valuable resources.

The Tafel are one of the largest volunteer based organizations in Germany. They are financed by donations and receive no public financing. Only food that is donated to the Tafel can be distributed to those in need; no food is purchased. Rent, transport and administrative costs of the Tafel are covered by private donations and the business community.

Even in 2025, the demand for assistance through the Tafel network remains as high as ever.

Although Germany is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, over 14 million people — out of a population of 80 million — are affected by poverty. Around 1.5 million rely on the support of Tafel’s food banks and community pantries across Germany.

For people living in poverty, daily life is a constant challenge. Much of their limited income is spent on basic necessities like housing and utilities, leaving only a few euros for food. Fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy and meat often become unaffordable luxuries.

The Tafel food banks are committed to easing this burden. We provide people with food — including fresh, nutritious products. This support helps families and individuals stretch their budgets and afford other essential expenses.

But our work goes beyond food distribution. Many Tafel food banks also run projects that promote nutrition, cultural understanding, and social inclusion for both children and adults. In many cities, our cafés, community lunches, second-hand furniture stores and clothing exchanges complement our services. As welcoming, social community spaces, food banks not only offer practical support, but also reduce social isolation and foster a sense of belonging.

Help us make a difference. Your donation enables us to continue this vital work and reach even more people in need.With your ongoing support, the Tafeln can help alleviate poverty and build stronger, more inclusive communities throughout Germany.

Thank you for supporting Tafel Deutschland.

Your generosity matters — now and in the future.