What is the Tafel in Germany? A Comprehensive Guide*
The Tafel is one of the most prominent charitable organisations in Germany. Its mission is to combat food waste and support people with low incomes by giving them access to food either free of charge or for a symbolic price. As public awareness of responsible food consumption grows and economic pressures increase, the Tafel is playing a more and more important role as a bridge between surplus food and social need.
This guide explains in detail what the Tafel is, which services it offers, who can use it, as well as its main advantages and disadvantages – updated to 2025.
The term “Tafel” refers to a network of non-profit associations and initiatives spread across Germany. They collect surplus or unsold food from supermarkets, bakeries, restaurants and other suppliers and redistribute it to people in financial need.
Depending on the local branch, food is provided free of charge or for a small symbolic fee, with the aim of helping those who struggle to cover their daily food needs.
Core principles of the Tafel
Fighting food waste:
Preventing edible food from being thrown away.
Supporting vulnerable groups:
Helping people with low income, those on social benefits and large families.
Encouraging community involvement:
Promoting volunteering, solidarity and social responsibility.
The Tafel seeks to ease the burden on people who are struggling financially and, depending on the location, offers for example:
Food distribution
Fresh fruit and vegetables, bread and baked goods, dairy products, canned food and other edible items.
Volunteers check and sort the food to ensure quality and hygiene.
Hot meals (in some branches)
In certain cities, Tafel kitchens prepare hot, ready-to-eat meals for people who cannot cook themselves or have limited mobility.
Community and social projects
Information sessions on healthy eating and low-budget cooking.
Courses, workshops or simple training for volunteers and beneficiaries (e.g. language cafés, basic skills).
Child and family-oriented offers
In some branches, special activities for children and families, such as school bag campaigns at the beginning of the school year.
Basic advice on budgeting and managing household expenses for low-income families.
Volunteering and participation
People from all backgrounds are welcome as volunteers to help with sorting, packing, logistics and supporting visitors.
The exact rules vary by city and Tafel organisation, but generally the following groups are targeted:
People with low income
Recipients of benefits from the Jobcenter or Employment Agency (e.g. Bürgergeld, unemployment benefits, social assistance).
Pensioners whose income is not sufficient to cover basic needs.
Large families
Families with several children whose monthly income is not enough to cover all living and food expenses.
Refugees and people with disabilities
Many Tafeln support refugees, tolerated persons and people with disabilities who often have very limited financial resources.
Elderly people and students
Depending on the branch, students and elderly people with low income may also be accepted.
Typical registration requirements
Proof of financial situation:
e.g. benefit notice (Bürgergeld), pension statement, Wohngeld decision or bank statements.
ID and address:
ID card or residence permit plus registration certificate.
In many places: a Tafel card issued after registration.
Compliance with internal rules:
To ensure fair and orderly distribution.
Lower food expenses
The Tafel can reduce monthly food costs significantly, allowing beneficiaries to use their limited income for rent, utilities or other essentials.
Less food waste
The Tafel connects surplus food from retailers with people in need and thus helps to protect the environment by reducing food waste.
Generally good quality
Even if some products are close to their best-before date or have damaged packaging, they are still safe to eat and checked by volunteers.
Sense of community and solidarity
The Tafel is often more than just a distribution point; it can be a place to meet others, exchange experiences and feel less isolated.
Voluntary work strengthens the feeling of belonging and mutual support.
Availability in many areas
Most cities and many smaller towns have at least one Tafel, which makes access easier for those in need.
Feeling of shame or stigma
Some people feel uncomfortable or ashamed about needing food assistance, even though the Tafel is explicitly based on solidarity and respect.
Queues and waiting times
High demand can lead to long queues and waiting times, especially during difficult economic periods.
Limited quantities and choice
The Tafel depends purely on donations.
As a result, not all products are always available, and quantities may be restricted so that everyone receives something.
Proof of income and bureaucracy
Regularly providing financial documents can be experienced as burdensome or intrusive.
Some people worry about their privacy.
Differences between branches
Organisation, available space and the range of products can differ significantly from one Tafel to another.
Plan your visit:
Check opening and distribution times of your local Tafel and try to be there on time.
Respect the rules:
Adhere to the internal guidelines on registration, queueing and maximum quantities.
Use food efficiently:
Store fresh products properly, cook in batches and freeze leftovers to avoid new food waste at home.
Use additional offers:
If cooking or budgeting workshops are offered, joining them can help you manage tight finances better.
Consider volunteering in the future:
If your own situation improves, volunteering can be a way to give something back to the community.
Up to 2025, demand for Tafel services has grown due to:
rising food and energy prices,
the long-term effects of crises (pandemic, global conflicts, inflation),
and higher awareness of food waste and social inequality.
In response, many Tafeln have:
opened more distribution points,
improved logistics and cooling systems,
and intensified public campaigns to attract more volunteers and donors.
The Tafel plays a crucial role in Germany’s social support landscape. It helps many different groups – low-income families, single parents, refugees, students and pensioners – to secure at least part of their basic food needs while also reducing food waste.
Despite possible downsides like waiting times, limited choice or feelings of embarrassment, the Tafel remains an important safety net for thousands of people. If you think you might be eligible, or if you would like to support others, the best next step is to contact your local Tafel and ask about registration requirements and opening hours.
* Our editorial team strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information based on careful research and multiple sources. However, errors or incomplete information can never be fully ruled out. This article is therefore intended as general orientation; for binding and current information, please contact your local authorities or Tafel branch.
