Five years of Tafel Austria: A look behind the scenes in the Vienna wholesale market!

Five years of Tafel Austria: A look behind the scenes in the Vienna wholesale market!

The Tafel Austria celebrates its fifth anniversary in the Vienna wholesale market. As part of an open day, around 200 visitors were able to get an idea of ​​the valuable activities of the organization. With food and drink, the guests had the opportunity to get insights into the camp and to acquire a so-called "board license". This is not only fun, but also sensitizes the goals of the board, which provides people with poverty in social facilities with rescued food.

A striking sign of how important this work is, is shown in the numbers: In 2024, the table saved a total of 1,578 tons of food, including 217,000 kilograms from the Vienna wholesale market alone. Managing Director Alexandra Gruber illustrates the need for donations, especially fresh products such as fruit and vegetables. The need for food for people affected remains high.

food rescue in the focus

The efficient passing on of rescued food to charitable organizations such as the Tafel Austria is regulated by strict food regulations. These requirements are similar to those that apply to commercial food companies. Every food must meet the highest security and hygiene standards, which makes it difficult to distribute the rescued food to the needy. One example is donated baked goods that require a complete list of allergens, and fruit and vegetables that have to be classified according to marketing standards.

A higher proportion of food could be generated by a re -assessment of the legal requirements for food donations in order to optimize waste avoidance and improve the care of people in poverty. Changes in the legal regulation are currently under discussion to facilitate the transfer of food. This could not only strengthen Austria, but also many other charitable organizations.

• The Tafel Austria saved 1,578 tons of food in 2024.
• 217,000 kilograms were obtained from the Vienna wholesale market.
• Around 200 visitors found out at the anniversary festival.

food waste and its extensive consequences are also the focus. According to reports from the Deutsche Tafel, between 11 and 18 million tons of food end up in the trash. The most common reasons are misunderstandings about best -preserving data, incorrect storage, as well as sorting foods that do not correspond to the impeccable optical ideal. The overproduction and damage to the harvest are also factors that contribute to this problem.

These challenges make the work of organizations and the board important, both to support people with poverty and climate protection. These initiatives also cause political measures to improve the framework conditions for food donations and to promote sustainable food supply.