A staggering 1.5 million people in Germany rely on food banks, and the number of children seeking assistance is climbing-a trend that deeply concerns aid organizations. “Above all, the number of children has increased slightly compared to the previous year, which worries us,” saeid Andreas Steppuhn, chairman of Tafel Germany.
The food bank network, with over 970 distribution points, currently supports nearly 30 percent children and around 20 percent of recipients are over the age of 63. In 2025, Tafel Germany saved approximately 265,000 tons of groceries from being discarded, prioritizing direct sourcing from manufacturers. Supermarkets are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize sales and minimize waste.
Currently, 77,000 individuals contribute to Tafel Germany’s operations, with 72,000 serving as volunteers-a slight increase from the previous year. Despite this growth, “a third of all food banks still have waiting lists or admission stops,” Steppuhn noted, adding that the institution is unable to meet the needs of everyone seeking help.
Food Banks Highlight Political Shortcomings
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Those turning to Tafel Germany include individuals with low incomes and those receiving insufficient social assistance. “The increased cost of living due to high rents and high food prices ensure that money is becoming increasingly scarce for many,” Steppuhn said. He also pointed to statements made at a recent Tafel event, captured on a chalkboard, that sparked controversy.
