On Wednesday morning, 21 January 2026, we visited Voedselbank Leiden with an enthusiastic group of 15 volunteers. It was a valuable and educational morning, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the place where the vegetables that our volunteers harvest during the growing season are distributed.
We were warmly welcomed with a cup of coffee, which immediately sparked an interesting conversation. This coffee is purchased using Douwe Egberts loyalty points collected by the food bank. A simple way to contribute if you happen to have points at home yourself.
The logistics of Voedselbank Leiden
Listening to the volunteers of Voedselbank Leiden and looking around on site, it quickly became clear that the food bank operates very much like a logistics company. Much of the food distributed here comes from the so-called “surplus market”. Products from supermarkets and producers whose sell-by dates are approaching or that have been overproduced.
Because it is often only known at the last moment which products will be delivered by supermarkets and hospitality suppliers, there is considerable pressure on the distribution of fresh products. With expiry dates approaching, these items must reach clients quickly to prevent waste.
Preventing waste
In recent years, Voedselbank Leiden has seen a decline in the supply of products from supermarkets. These companies are becoming increasingly successful in reducing food waste.
While this is a positive development, it also presents a major challenge for the food banks, as it makes it harder to offer a healthy selection in line with the Dutch “Wheel of Five” dietary guidelines. Providing healthy food in a mixture of nutrients remains the goal. Voedselbank Leiden therefore supplements the available supply by purchasing additional fresh products whenever necessary.
Grocery shopping at Voedselbank Leiden
What made a strong impression was the distribution system used by Voedselbank Leiden. Instead of pre-packed food parcels, the food bank operates a supermarket-style model in which clients choose their own groceries. Families shop using a pass system tailored to household size and dietary preferences. Volunteers are present to help, think along and offer advice where needed.
This approach is especially helpful during the harvest season, when volunteers also assist clients with recipe ideas for vegetables from the garden that may be unfamiliar to them.
Another special aspect is the collaboration with the Dutch Poverty Fund (Armoedefonds). Through this partnership, birthday boxes are put together for young children, containing decorations, a small gift and treats to share at school. This allows children to celebrate their birthdays despite the financial challenges at home.
Feeding 1,200 people
At present, around 500 households, approximately 1,200 people, rely on Voedselbank Leiden. About 10% of them receive home deliveries because they are unable to come to the food bank themselves. All of these people are supported entirely by volunteers. Around 120 volunteers are involved in collecting, sorting and distributing (fresh) products to clients each week.
On average, clients receive 25 products per week. They supplement the rest themselves. Every six months, clients have a review meeting in which they are encouraged to work on underlying issues such as debt or unemployment. Support and referrals are often available at the food bank to help address these challenges.
Why our harvest matters
According to figures by CBS and the Nibud, food banks reach only 15 to 17% of the people who could potentially qualify for support.
The number of people struggling to make ends meet is therefore much higher than the number currently served by Voedselbank Leiden. This makes the need to make healthy food accessible to everyone even more urgent.
This visit once again made it crystal clear how valuable fresh, organic vegetables are within this system.
During the winter period, fresh vegetables, like dairy and eggs, usually have to be purchased, representing a significant cost in providing a healthy diet.
That is precisely why our weekly harvest during the growing season (approximately mid-May to mid-November) makes such a meaningful difference.
Healthy food for everyone
After a special morning, everyone went home with new insights and even more motivation. Our thanks go out to Voedselbank Leiden for their openness and warm welcome, and to all our volunteers who contribute each season to provide healthy food for everyone. Together, we can make a difference.
