Overview
- About 25% of Tafel branches now have temporary intake stops or waiting lists, according to chair Andreas Steppuhn.
- Surplus food has fallen as supermarkets use digital ordering and leaner, sustainability-focused stock management.
- The network serves roughly 1.5 million people with about 75,000 volunteers across 975 locations, leaving capacity gaps that vary by region.
- To secure supplies, Tafeln are increasingly reaching out directly to manufacturers, with support pledged across the retail sector.
- The organization frames its role as supplementary to the welfare state and calls for effective social and pension policy to reduce poverty.