On Tuesday November 11th our volunteers have harvested the 10,000th portion of fresh, organic vegetables of the season for Voedselbank Leiden. An impressive milestone that demonstrates how local collaboration can lead to healthy food for everyone.

Fresh vegetables for those who need them most

Every year, more than 600 families in Leiden and the surrounding area rely on the donations of Voedselbank Leiden for their meals. They receive ingredients for four warm meals per week, but often only have access to fresh vegetables for two of those meals.

To support these families with healthy, nutritious food, the volunteers of Stichting De Groentedeler gather every Tuesday morning during the harvest season at Zelfoogsttuin Bij Mei in Zoeterwoude. There, they harvest vegetables, rain or shine, which are picked up the very same day by the volunteers of Voedselbank Leiden. Combined with the harvest from De Bontekoe, the food bank’s own garden, this ensures that healthy and nutritious vegetables are consistently available for their clients.

“It’s amazing to see how much dedication there is,” say the board members of Stichting De Groentedeler. “Every week, our volunteers show up to harvest, wash and pack the vegetables. They know that every head of lettuce, every tomato and every bunch of carrots makes a difference for a family struggling to make ends meet.”

Healthy food as a basic right

Stichting De Groentedeler believes that access to healthy food is a basic human right. No matter your background or situation, good nutrition is essential for a healthy life.

“At the moment, there isn’t enough supply to provide all clients of Voedselbank Leiden with a balanced diet throughout the year,” the board explains. “Our goal is to increase the harvest so that families can have access to fresh vegetables four days a week during the hervest season.”

In addition to direct support for the food bank, Stichting De Groentedeler also works to raise awareness about healthy eating and sustainable agriculture. Through lectures, guided tours, and local collaborations, more and more people are getting involved in promoting healthy, fair, and locally produced food.

Looking ahead

Stichting De Groentedeler is already looking forward to the 2026 harvest season, with the ambition to provide even more families with fresh, organic vegetables.

“Our dream is that no one in Leiden will have to live without healthy food,” says the board. “To make that dream a reality, we need the support of residents, companies, churches and funds.”

There are many ways to contribute. As a volunteer, donor or organizer of a local fundraising activity. Regular donations are particularly valuable, as they allow the foundation to commit to new harvest subscriptions at the organic farm and guarantee a steady flow of vegetables to food bank clients.

Support healthy food for everyone!

Donate now via www.degroentedeler.nl/doneren or sign up as a volunteer.

Together, we can ensure that everyone in Leiden has access to fresh, healthy and locally grown vegetables.

Jaap, Kim and Tess, three students at the internship office of STAD Leiden, dedicated their internship project to raising awareness about healthy food.
An important topic, because as they say: “It is essential that everyone has the chance to eat healthy. The food industry should have a big responsibility here, for what seems healthy is often just smart marketing.”

 

A project with a vision

The project began as part of the national initiative ‘De Gezonde Generatie’ (The Healthy Generation). The students explored the value of healthy eating habits and the influence of design and communication on our food choices. An eye-opening topic. They discovered, for example, that many product labels are misleading. Take a ready-made salad: you might think it’s fresh and healthy, but the chicken is often ultra-processed and the dressing packed with fats and salt. So, what is a healthy choice, really?

“We want large chains in the food industry to take responsibility,” the students say. “No more misleading advertising, but honest and healthy food, accessible to everyone. People should be able to trust the appearance of a product without having to decode the ingredients list on the back.”

They’re not saying we should never eat unhealthy food, but that people should be aware of what they’re eating and what it does to their health. Tess explains: “When you don’t have much money, you’re more likely to go for the cheapest option. If junk food is always on sale, it becomes the easy choice, and when you’re short on time, it’s much easier to grab a quick snack than prepare something fresh.”

Jaap agrees. “Every week, we see tons of unhealthy options on sale. That makes them more appealing; even I go for those deals sometimes. But I prefer to eat healthy too.”

 

Taking action together!

As part of their campaign, Jaap, Kim, and Tess created a flyer with an activist twist. Designed to look like a typical supermarket ad but slightly different. Their flyer, titled ‘Vers van de Pers’ (Fresh off the press), puts current supermarket promotions under a magnifying glass and raises questions about what we’re really consuming.

“We handed out the flyer across downtown Leiden,” Tess explains. “From restaurants and libraries to shops and mailboxes. We’re also planning to send it to major supermarket chains and food producers, hoping it will spark a change.”

“There need to be clear guidelines from policymakers to regulate misleading food advertising,” says Jaap. “Think sugar taxes, fat taxes… but also rules about how food is marketed.” He gives the example of popular high-protein products that are secretly full of sugar. “You’d be better off choosing foods that are naturally high in protein. Same with ‘wholegrain’ labels, a lot of those products barely contain any wholegrain at all. You really have to read the small print to know what you’re eating.”

Check out the (Dutch) flyer

 

STAD Leiden

STAD (Stichting Talent and Dreams) is a platform in Leiden where young people take initiative on social issues, especially ones they care deeply about. They brainstorm together and look for creative ways to make a difference. Tess states: “STAD Leiden is so much fun! You learn a lot and you’re encouraged to start your own project. There’s a youth project team and an internship office where many young people collaborate.” Some of the previous projects include: ‘Klereleiers’, a second-hand clothing initiative to reduce textile waste and ‘Geen geld, geen gedoe’ – a campaign that helps young people understand the responsibilities that come with turning 18.

 

The healthy generation

This campaign was inspired by ‘De Gezonde Generatie’, a national initiative where twenty health foundations work together toward one powerful goal: by 2040, the Dutch youth will be the healthiest in the world. To achieve that, the program focuses on mental resilience, healthy nutrition, physical activity and a smoke-free environment. Naturally at Stichting De Groentedeler, we fully support this ambition. Raising awareness around food is a vital part of building a healthy future for people and planet.

Would you like to contribute to healthy food at Foodbank Leiden? Sponsor a vegetable package!

While our volunteers were harvesting and washing fresh vegetables in the pouring rain for the clients of the Leiden Food Bank, we welcomed sponsors and partners to the garden for an inspiring morning in nature. An event focused on connection, exchange, and shared purpose.

 

From idea to impact

Our enthusiastic fundraiser, Jan Blok, opened the morning with a presentation about the mission of Stichting De Groentedeler. He took our guests on a journey from the foundation’s early beginnings, through its present achievements, and into its ambitious future goals.

Since its founding, Stichting De Groentedeler has provided thousands of portions of organically grown vegetables to clients of the Leiden Food Bank. Fresh from the garden and carefully cultivated. A unique concept, not easily found in other cities.

Margriet Nieuwenhuis, board member of the Leiden Food Bank, emphasized how much the clients value these fresh vegetables. Not leftover products from supermarkets, which they’re often used to, but specially harvested, organic vegetables. It gives a sense of dignity and care during difficult times.

Two other key goals of De Groentedeler were also discussed: connecting urban and rural life, and raising awareness around healthy eating habits. To achieve these goals, we rely heavily on support from sponsors, funds, churches, businesses and private individuals. Together, we can make a difference for the clients of Food Bank Leiden. Together, we can grow awareness in the city. And together, we can reach and connect more people in order to build a healthier society that looks after one another.

 

Unlock new networks

Our guests actively brainstormed about ways to strengthen our collaboration. Several practical ideas were proposed:

• Co-hosting events and educational activities.
• Sharing networks to amplify mutual impact.
• Creating learning opportunities for those interested in durable cultivation.
• Offering students social internships at De Groentedeler and the Leiden Food Bank.

Once again, it became clear that the strength of this initiative lies in the synergy between people, organizations, and missions.

 

Fresh from the field

One of the most powerful moments of the day came when volunteers from the Food Bank arrived to collect the freshly harvested vegetables. The produce of lettuce, cauliflower, pointed cabbage and mint, was loaded into the van, ready to serve approximately 500 families in and around Leiden who depend on food assistance.

Spontaneously, our guests lent a hand. Together with our harvest volunteers, they helped carry crates of vegetables to the waiting vehicle. This hands-on moment brought the partnership between De Groentedeler and the Food Bank to life, showing exactly what their support helps achieve.

 

Sustainable cultivation and community

Following the presentation and vegetable handover, Mariska Verhulst, founder of Zelfoogsttuin Bij Mei, led a tour of the garden. She explained the philosophy and sustainable cultivation methods behind the self-harvest concept. A system where participants harvest their own vegetables, reinforcing the connection between people, soil and food.

The tour sparked an interest in visiting the Leiden Food Bank as well. Plans are now made to organize a behind-the-scenes tour there too. Want to join? Keep an eye on our website and social media or sign up for our newsletter for updates.

 

Do you want to share vegetables too?

This morning, we heard that there are more volunteers this season. A great development for the sustainability of De Groentedeler. Whatever the weather, they dedicate their time to the garden. Now that finding volunteers isn’t much of a challenge, the real challenge lies in securing structural donations from individuals, companies, churches, and funds.

Are you inspired and would you like to help share vegetables too? Make a donation!

You can choose to give a one-time donation, but structural support is even more valuable. It allows us to plan ahead and commit to a set number of vegetable packages each year. And more packages mean more healthy meals for families in need. Periodic donations also come with tax benefits, thanks to our ANBI status. Just fill in the form with your annual donation amount and support our mission while receiving a benefit in return.

Every six months, the Sint Petrus Church in Leiden organizes a book market for charity. This was also the case during the weekend of May 24 and 25, 2025. Once again, the HH. Petrus and Paulus Parish Leiden and surroundings chose Stichting De Groentedeler as the beneficiary. For which we are, of course, incredibly grateful! Thanks to this book market, we have once again received a wonderful donation of €750.00. That’s enough to fund more than two annual subscriptions for clients of the Leiden Food Bank, which makes us extremely thankful.

 

Generous, despite the rain

Although the weeks leading up to the event had beautiful spring weather, the book market weekend was dominated by rain. A shame, as it affected the turnout compared to previous markets.

Still, on Saturday morning, the first visitors were already eagerly browsing through the books, selecting their favorite finds to take home. Several buyers generously added an extra donation on top of their purchase. This additional support benefits both clients of the Leiden Food Bank and minor maintenance in the church. In other words, a wonderful contribution this very weekend.

 

A rainy day with a silver lining

The rain did bring one benefit: it made this the perfect weekend to head home and dive right into the newly bought books. A cup of tea, a cozy spot, and hours of reading ahead. Hopefully, enough to last until the next book market.

 

Thank you to everyone who attended!

We thank all parishioners and visitors who came to the book market, supported us with their purchases, and of course the HH. Petrus and Paulus Parish for choosing Stichting De Groentedeler as their charity.

We will continue to harvest joyfully for the clients of the Food Bank, raise awareness around healthy food and strengthen the connection between city and countryside. Only together can we truly make a difference to make the world a bit more beautiful and ensure everyone has access to fresh and healthy food.

Would you like to make an additional (structural) donation? We’d gladly accept! Your help is much needed and appreciated.

 

Research conducted by Nibud in collaboration with Voedingscentrum shows that the higher the income, the more money is spent on food. For people with lower incomes, there is naturally less budget available for nutrition. But how does this affect their choices and eating habits? And what can be done to maintain a healthy diet?

 

The impact of inflation

Figures from CBS show that food prices in 2024 have increased by an average of 1.1%. In 2023, food prices were 12.1% higher than the previous year. Meanwhile, household expenses have also continued to rise, making it increasingly difficult for many people to make ends meet.

In 2025, people have experienced the urge to manage their money differently, with both positive and negative effects. Less food is wasted, and leftovers are frozen more often. However, some people are forced to make different food choices all together. Processed foods or products high in sugar and fat regularly seem cheaper and more accessible than fresh produce, but it is this fresh food that keeps us healthy.

 

Healthy food for everyone!

At Stichting De Groentedeler, we believe that access to healthy food is a basic right. That’s why we work to make fresh food accessible to all. Every harvest season, we purchase vegetable packages from the organic Zelfoogsttuin Bij Mei in Zoeterwoude. With the help of our volunteers, we harvest thousands of portions of fresh vegetables each year for the customers of Voedselbank Leiden. These vegetables are not only healthy but also delicious.

“The people who come to us really look forward to the fresh vegetables from the garden,” says a volunteer at Voedselbank Leiden. “Sometimes they are introduced to vegetables they’ve never tried before, or ones that are not commonly found in supermarkets. They ask how to prepare them, and we provide recipes to help them enjoy the fresh produce.”

“We hope that, by experiencing the taste and quality of these vegetables, Voedselbank customers become more aware of their eating habits. That they start looking at the nutritional value of food and learn how to eat as healthily as possible on a budget. What you eat is the foundation of a healthy life,” says Jan Blok, board member of Stichting De Groentedeler.

“This applies to everyone!” Jan emphasizes. “Beyond Voedselbank customers, we also focus on raising broader awareness about healthy eating habits and nutritious foods. We’re always learning and try to share our knowledge with others. Take, for example, the 80-20 rule that Caring Doctors advocate.”

 

The importance of plant-based nutrition

At a Groene Idee Café event in Leiden, Caring Doctors spoke about the need to change our diet. They promote reducing meat and dairy consumption (20% of our daily intake) and increasing plant-based foods (80% of our daily intake). This shift is crucial, not only for the environment but also for reducing health risks.

“As doctors, we mostly treat lifestyle-related diseases, and we are facing a progressive climate collapse. Both are largely caused by our animal-based food system,” they state in their manifesto. Additionally, they highlight that 75% of diseases (including COVID-19, mad cow disease, and bird flu) originate from animals. Bacteria in industrial livestock farming are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics. These resistant bacteria can spread widely through food and human carriers, making them way harder to treat.

 

What can we do?

The vegetables we provide through Stichting De Groentedeler are organically grown, packed with nutrients and high in quality. By donating these vegetables, we aim to support lower-income individuals in accessing the right nutrients.

Beyond providing fresh food, we strive to raise awareness about the importance of a healthy diet, not just for food bank customers but for everyone. Whether you’re an individual, business, school, or childcare center, we can work together to develop a healthier diet for both ourselves and the planet.

 

Will you help us provide healthy food for all?

Would you like to support Voedselbank Leiden customers in maintaining access to healthy food? Donate now to help purchase fresh vegetable packages for the 2025 harvest season!

Would you rather get hands-on experience how these vegetables grow and are harvested? Join us as a volunteer! You can help in the garden, assist with awareness activities, or even support us remotely by spreading the word on social media. Donate or sign up today.

Imagine a world in which everyone has access to fresh, healthy food. A world without hunger, food shortages or environmental neglect. A world where sustainability, care for one another, and respect for Mother Earth are central values. It may seem like a utopia, but as John Lennon sang in his iconic song ‘Imagine’, every significant change begins with a dream.

At Stichting De Groentedeler, we work towards such a dream. A dream where no one lacks access to nutritious food. A dream of sharing vegetables to connect people: city to countryside, individuals to the planet we inhabit. Our mission is rooted in creating equal opportunities, and grounded in the belief that access to healthy food is a fundamental right.

 

Imagine all the people

It all starts with people. People who understand our reliance on Mother Earth. Those who take care of their physical and mental health and recognize that well-being is tied to the opportunities you’re given.

To turn our dream into reality, we bring people together. We raise awareness about the importance of nutrition, exercise, sustainable land use and community. Together, we build lives that matter. The more grounded we are, the more resilient we become.

On our farm, this principle comes to life. Here, we work with a shared goal, digging into the soil together to help over 600 clients who depend on Voedselbank Leiden every year. We often say that our garden is the best “gym” in Zoeterwoude, a place where we wonder who benefits more: the clients of De Voedselbank or the volunteers themselves. Digging into fertile soil, reflecting under an open sky, it’s as good for the soul as it is for the community.

John Lennon envisioned a world without borders. We see this as a call to break social barriers, to share what we have and to connect with one another. Whether you’re a volunteer harvesting crops, donating in support of our mission or a Voedselbank client enjoying the produce, we are all equal. This shared connection brings us closer to making our dream a reality.

But is our commitment enough? The answer is no. Too many people in this world still face a meal without fresh, nutritious ingredients.

 

Sharing all the world

As 2024 comes to an end, we face a world full of challenges. More and more people are losing their connection to themselves and the world around them. The gap between rich and poor widens and “food deserts” are emerging in cities and towns, areas where healthy food is hard to come by.

In wealthy countries like the Netherlands, supermarkets overflow with goods, yet Voedselbanken face increasing demands. In Leiden, Voedselbank clients receive supplies for four days a week, yet fresh vegetables are only included for two. This is not just a matter of food production; it’s about fair distribution.

That’s why Stichting De Groentedeler combines vegetable cultivation with raising awareness about sustainability and the importance of sharing. In 2024, we provided over 300 portions of fresh vegetables weekly during harvest season. Each portion contributed to a larger mission: creating a healthier, more sustainable world for all.

 

You may say I’m a dreamer

Dreaming means believing in a future that has yet to take shape. It’s a future we can create together by taking small steps toward significant change. Each season, we grow more vegetables, connect more people and move closer to our dream through generous donations.

Imagine a future where our organization is no longer needed. Where sharing fresh vegetables becomes second nature. Where no one goes hungry and everyone can eat healthily, in harmony with one another.

Imagine building that dream together. Fresh vegetables, no longer a luxury but a basic right. And you’ve contributed, by donating, by volunteering or simply by making conscious food choices and inspiring others to do the same. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can bring John Lennon’s words to life: “The world will live as one.” It starts here, with you, with us, with fresh vegetables for all.

Will you join us?

Last month, Stichting De Groentedeler was awarded the Elisabethcertificate, a special recognition by the Diocese of Rotterdam. This certificate is granted to initiatives that connect diaconal care with sustainability and social engagement. 

 

What is the Elisabethcertificate? 

The Elisabethcertificate represents appreciation for projects that make a difference for vulnerable people in our society while caring for our planet. It’s a mark of recognition, not only for the projects but also for the many volunteers who make these initiatives possible. The certificates are awarded every two years in line with the mission of Caritas Internationalis to promote sustainability and social solidarity.

 

What this certificate means for Stichting De Groentedeler 

This year, Stichting De Groentedeler was honored to receive the Elisabethcertificate. It’s a wonderful acknowledgment of the value of our work.

“With this certificate, it’s clear that we are being noticed,” says Peter Klapwijk, board member of Stichting De Groentedeler. “It also emphasizes the importance of continuing our activities, as there’s still so much to do. Financial support is crucial in helping us assist more people, raise awareness, and strengthen our connection to Mother Earth.”

Treasurer Jan Blok agrees, stressing the importance of consistent support. “The clearer our prospects and finances are by the end of the fiscal year, the better we can plan the number of harvest subscriptions we can purchase for Voedselbank Leiden.”

Receiving the Elisabethcertificate has already put Stichting De Groentedeler on the radar of many. “We hope that through these new connections, we can continue making a difference for the more than 600 clients who depend on Voedselbank Leiden every year,” the board members say.

 

Elisabeth van Thüringen

The name and date of the “Bread and Roses” diaconal award and the Elisabethcertificate are inspired by Elisabeth van Thüringen (1207–1231), one of the patron saints of the diocese’s cathedral in Rotterdam.

According to a famous legend, Elisabeth was carrying bread in her apron to deliver to the poor in a neighboring village when her brother-in-law confronted her. The family feared she was giving away all their possessions. When she was ordered to reveal the contents of her apron, no bread appeared, but instead, beautiful roses.

Elisabeth van Thüringen is regarded as the patron saint of charity. She is commemorated on November 17, and the prize is traditionally awarded on the Saturday preceding her feast day.

 

Building the future together 

After receiving the Elisabethcertificate, Stichting De Groentedeler continuous to connect city and countryside, while working towards a sustainable future where healthy food is accessible to everyone.

Would you like to contribute? Donate now or sign up as a volunteer!
For structural donations, read the ANBI information to learn more about the tax benefits of periodic gifts and legacies.

This year, Nora Farih is once again working on a series of unique theater performances at Theater Ins Blau in Leiden. With the theme “Rooting Together,” she aims to bring people together, connect them, raise awareness and of course, provide immense enjoyment through the stunning performances lined up. Are you curious about Nora’s vision and the upcoming edition of Verse Blik? Keep reading!

 

The start of a successful benefit!

Verse Blik became the name of the benefit event for Stichting De Groentedeler. The same beneficial of the successful performance organized in 2023. Following this success, a new edition will be organized on October 26 and 27, 2024, once again at Theater Ins Blau. Inspired by the theme Rooting Together, people will come together to enjoy beautiful performances, from dance and music to breathtaking aerial acts and spoken word.

“What I love about Stichting De Groentedeler is how it aligns with my values,” says Nora. “They provide fresh vegetables to clients of Voedselbank Leiden and other groups in need. Their vision of sustainable food production, sharing nutrients, and bridging the gap between the city and the countryside aligns with my own goals of taking care of the planet and each other. Without a planet, there’s no life, so we need to take care of both.”

Get your tickets now!

 

Health as a human right

As a medical trainee, Nora views health as a human right. Healthy food is part of that, whether you’re wealthy or part of the more vulnerable sections of society. Another important aspect of health is nature.

“When we elaborate on well-being, nature plays a crucial role. It’s unfortunate that people spend less of their time in nature, while a natural environment offers so much and it’s excellent for mental health. While living in the city, people often lose their connection with the earth. Digging into the soil together is one of the most bonding activities. Volunteers of Stichting De Groentedeler experience this every Tuesday. Together, they harvest fresh vegetables for those who need them most. By taking care of each other, we can provide everyone with the healthy food they deserve.”

 

Finding common ground

“When you look at society, there’s quite a bit of polarization,” Nora says. “There’s less and less gray area. People talk about ‘us’ and ‘them,’ but I believe there’s not enough focus on finding common ground. With the performances at Theater Ins Blau, I hope to invite everyone to look out for one another. We share this world, and you can make it more beautiful by how you perceive it. I hope people come together to enjoy, be amazed by the artists, and see how much common ground we truly share.”

 

What’s in the name, Benefietvogels?

The name Benefietvogels was born out of Nora’s fascination with birds. “I see it as a metaphor for looking at the world. The most eccentric birds are often the most beloved; people make an effort to see them. I think it would be amazing if we could welcome people who are different from us with the same sense of wonder and admiration. If we could bring out the birdwatcher in everyone, sparking curiosity to get to know one another.”

The wonder and curiosity that eccentric bird species evoke await visitors at the next benefit performance. We will announce the acts on our socials, so stay tuned and grab your ticket to secure your spot!