Volunteer rescuers: Lauterbacher Tafel fights against food shortages!

Volunteer rescuers: Lauterbacher Tafel fights against food shortages!

The Lauterbacher Tafel plays a central role in supplying food to those in need and at the same time fights against the immense food waste, which reaches around 11 to 18 million tons in Germany every year. What is particularly noteworthy is that the Tafel in Lauterbach is a contact point for around 100 families who are supplied with food on a weekly basis. However, there are around 40 additional families on the waiting list, indicating increasing demand. Many of the donated foods are of high quality, but come from supermarkets that sort out overstocks and items that are approaching their best-before date, as according to Tafel Lauterbach reports.

The work of the food banks, including the Lauterbacher Tafel, not only helps to reduce huge amounts of waste, but also supports people affected by poverty in the region. Volunteers are at the heart of this organization, with 60 volunteers currently active. However, there is a noticeable lack of supporters, as 15 helpers are needed every day to keep operations running. There are currently only six drivers on duty on Saturdays and a total of 25 drivers are available to pick up groceries from supermarkets in Lauterbach, Schlitz, Angersbach and Bad Salzschlirf.

From the supermarket to the food bank

The Tafel sources fruit, vegetables and other foods that can no longer be sold from regional supermarkets. But what happens when supermarket employees are absent? Then it may well happen that no food is available. This is particularly problematic at a time when supermarkets calculate better and donate less, which poses new challenges for the food bank.

The Lauterbacher Tafel's sustainable approach is reflected in the qualitative selection of donations. Products such as baked goods from the previous day, seasonal items, incorrectly packaged items or fruit with small blemishes do not end up in the trash, but are instead used sensibly for the table. This approach has a positive impact on sustainability and the environment, as over 265,000 tons of food are saved from German food banks every year. This impressive figure reinforces the important contribution that Tafel makes to not only fight hunger, but also minimize the ecological footprint.

Joint commitment to an important cause

This also means that the table does not buy food, but relies on donations. Rent, transportation and administration costs are covered by private donations and sponsors. The volunteers are essential here. They ensure that the pre-packed boxes, which are tailored to the individual needs of those entitled, are made available on time. In addition, flowers donated by supermarkets are available for you to take home in the distribution room - a little joy that can brighten many people's days.

In order to further support the work of the food banks and further reduce food waste, additional helpers and donations are always welcome. In this way, together we can make a valuable contribution to both helping people in need and promoting the responsible use of food for all of us. Tafel.de encourages everyone to take up the cause and take an active part.