Munchner Tafel e.V.
Munich, Bayern (Bavaria)
The Münchner Tafel e.V. is a non-profit organization based in Munich, Germany, dedicated to fighting hunger and food waste while promoting dignity, solidarity, and social cohesion. Since its founding in 1994, the Münchner Tafel has been committed to ensuring that people in need have access to nutritious food and that perfectly edible food is not discarded but instead reaches those who rely on it. Every week, our volunteers collect surplus, high-quality food donated by supermarkets, wholesalers, bakeries, and food producers. Instead of going to waste, this food is carefully sorted and distributed free of charge to more than 22,000 people in need each week across the city of Munich. We operate 30 distribution points as well as supply over 100 social institutions such as shelters, community kitchens, women’s refuges, and senior centers. Our mission goes beyond food: we strive to provide relief from poverty, to support equal opportunity, and to foster a community where people help one another. For many of our beneficiaries—families with children, single parents, the unemployed, the elderly, and increasingly also working poor—receiving this food support means being able to afford rent, medical expenses, or education for their children. The Münchner Tafel operates independently, without state funding, relying on donations and the commitment of over 1000 active volunteers. These dedicated individuals drive our trucks, collect and sort food, organize distributions, and ensure that each week, over 180 tons of rescued food are transformed into relief and hope for thousands of people. We are guided by three core principles: •Fighting Hunger – Ensuring that people in need in Munich do not go without food. •Preventing Food Waste – Rescuing surplus food and giving it new value. •Promoting Solidarity – Building a bridge between those who wish to give and those who need support. Our work addresses urgent social challenges: rising living costs, increasing poverty, and the growing inequality in our society. At the same time, we actively contribute to sustainability by reducing food waste and lowering the environmental footprint of discarded food. With every donation and every hour of volunteer time, we are able to continue our mission: distributing food, providing relief, and creating a community of compassion. Together with our supporters, partners, and volunteers, we work towards a Munich where no one has to go hungry and where valuable resources are shared responsibly. Key Facts & Impact (2025): Founded: 1994 in Munich, Germany Beneficiaries: 22,000 people every week Distribution Points: 30 in Munich Partner Institutions: 100+ social organizations supplied regularly Volunteers: 1000+ active helpers Trucks: 22 refrigerated vehicles collecting food daily Food Rescued: 180.000 kilograms, otherwise destined for disposal We believe that access to food is a fundamental human right. By supporting Münchner Tafel, donors and partners become part of a strong community dedicated to alleviating hardship, strengthening social equality, and preserving our environment.
The Münchner Tafel e.V. is a registered non-profit organization based in Munich, Germany, dedicated to providing food aid to people in need and preventing food waste. Founded in 1994 by Hannelore Kiethe and a small circle of committed citizens, the Münchner Tafel has grown into one of the largest food banks in Germany, supporting tens of thousands of individuals every week.
Our work is guided by a simple principle:
We collect surplus food where there is too much and distribute it ... Read More
