Think globally, act locally - prevent food waste!

Prevent Food Waste in Lesser Poland
Krakow Food Bank Report

Project Overview

Despite not reaching our fundraising goal on GlobalGiving, we remained committed to our mission of reducing food waste in Lesser Poland. Leveraging our own resources, we have carried out intensive efforts to rescue surplus food and distribute it to those in need. We want to share the results of our recent work in the hope of inspiring more donors to support this vital initiative. With just $1 in donations, we can save nearly 22 lbs of food—providing 24 meals for people in need. Together, we can make an even greater impact.

Results

Between November 2024 and March 2025, the Krakow Food Bank successfully rescued 1,511,199.55 lbs of food, valued at $2,168,845.58.

Over the entire course of the project, we have saved a total of 2,733,793.97 lbs of food, valued at $1,731,254.80.

This food, which would have otherwise gone to waste, was sourced from retail chains, producers, and distributors. It was distributed to people in need across Lesser Poland through our network of over 191 partner organizations, providing the equivalent of 3,100,074 meals.

Through donor support, we have mitigated some of the harmful social, economic, and environmental effects of food waste. However, our work is far from over—Poland still wastes nearly 5 million tons of food annually.

Your Support Makes a Difference

The Krakow Food Bank is making meaningful strides in combating food waste and its consequences. We currently provide assistance to 60,000 people in need, many of whom struggle to afford basic food essentials. With additional funding, we can:

• Save even more food from going to landfills.

• Reduce environmental harm caused by waste.

• Provide crucial support to the most vulnerable in our community.

You can be part of the solution to food waste and food insecurity. With your help, we can build a future where no food goes to waste and no one goes hungry.

Long-Term Impact

Our efforts go beyond immediate hunger relief. By creating a sustainable and resilient food redistribution system, we contribute to:

• Conserving resources: Reducing food waste helps conserve water, energy, and agricultural inputs.

• Environmental protection: Diverting food from landfills prevents methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas.

• Social empowerment: Providing essential nutrition to vulnerable groups enhances community well-being.

By systematically rescuing food, we foster a more sustainable regional food system—proving that food rescue can be a practical and impactful solution to both food insecurity and environmental challenges.

A Quick Reminder of What We DoChallenge

Food waste is a pressing global issue with widespread social, economic, and environmental consequences. One-third of all food produced worldwide is wasted annually, with losses occurring at every stage of the supply chain—from production inefficiencies to improper consumer storage.

Solution

The Krakow Food Bank combats food waste and hunger by collecting near-expiry food from producers and distributors and redistributing it to a network of 191 non-governmental organizations across Lesser Poland. By rescuing food that would otherwise go to waste, we provide critical assistance to vulnerable communities while reducing the environmental footprint of food waste.

Our Impact

• 396 million+ lbs of food distributed since our founding, valued at $95 million.

• 17.6 million meals provided annually to people in need.

• 15.6 million lbs of food delivered in 2024 alone.

• 191 partner NGOs & 250 corporate food donors.

• 9.7 million lbs of food saved from waste every year, preventing unnecessary CO emissions.

Join Us

Your support can transform lives and protect the environment. Every contribution makes a tangible difference. Join us in building a future where food is rescued, communities are nourished, and no one is left behind.

Results

During the course of the project, the Krakow Food Bank successfully rescued:

• 554,560.16 kg of food, valued at $1,731,254.80.

This food, which would otherwise have been wasted, was sourced primarily from retail chains, producers, and distributors. It was then distributed to people in need across Lesser Poland through the food bank’s network of over 200 partner organizations. It is the equivalent of 1 386 400 meals.

Through the support of donors, we have been able to alleviate some of the harmful social, economic, and environmental effects of food waste. Despite our achievements, we recognize that this is just a fraction of the problem; in Poland, nearly 5 million tons of food are wasted annually.

Your Support Makes a Difference

Thanks to your generous contributions, the Krakow Food Bank has been able to take meaningful steps in reducing food waste and its consequences. Together, we are helping thousands of people in need who cannot afford even basic food essentials. Your continued support enables us to:

• Save more food from landfills.
• Reduce environmental harm caused by waste.
• Provide crucial assistance to those most vulnerable in our community.

Thank you for being part of the solution to food waste and food insecurity. With your help, we can build a future where no food goes to waste, and no one has to go hungry.

Long-Term Impact

The Krakow Food Bank's efforts extend beyond providing immediate hunger relief. By creating a sustainable and resilient food redistribution system, the organization contributes to:

• Conserving resources: Reducing waste conserves water, energy, and agricultural inputs used in food production.
• Environmental protection: Diverting food from landfills prevents the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
• Social empowerment: Ensuring access to essential nutrition for vulnerable groups enhances community well-being.

In the long term, the food bank fosters a more sustainable regional food system, demonstrating that systematic food rescue can be a practical and impactful solution to both food insecurity and environmental challenges.

A quick reminder of what we do at the Kraków Food Bank:

Challenge

Food waste represents a significant global issue with widespread social, economic, and environmental impacts, with approximately one-third of all food produced worldwide being lost or wasted annually. The causes of food waste span the entire supply chain, including production inefficiencies, poor post-harvest handling, and consumer behaviors such as over-purchasing and improper storage.

Solution

The Krakow Food Bank is dedicated to combating food waste and addressing food insecurity by collecting near-expiry food products from producers and distributors and redistributing them to a network of 200 non-governmental organizations across the Lesser Poland region. By rescuing food that would otherwise go to waste, the food bank provides essential support to vulnerable communities while reducing the environmental impact of food waste.