foodsharing

foodsharing e.V. is a non-profit environmental organization based in Germany that is dedicated to tackling the global issue of food waste. Founded in 2012, the initiative has grown into a widespread grassroots movement operating primarily in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The organization's core mission is to rescue surplus food that would otherwise be discarded by businesses, supermarkets, bakeries, and private households, and to distribute it for free to those who can consume it. Unlike traditional food banks that focus on alleviating poverty, foodsharing e.V. focuses strictly on the environmental impact of food waste, making its services available to everyone regardless of financial need.

The organization operates through an extensive online platform, foodsharing.de, which coordinates the activities of hundreds of thousands of registered users, known as 'foodsharers', and tens of thousands of trained volunteers, called 'foodsavers'. These volunteers organize regular pickups from cooperating businesses and manage public distribution points known as 'Fairteiler' (fair dividers), which are shelves or refrigerators located in publicly accessible places where food can be exchanged freely. The platform is built on open-source technology, reflecting the organization's commitment to transparency and community collaboration. By fostering a culture of sharing and responsibility, foodsharing e.V. aims to raise awareness about the value of food and the ecological consequences of waste.