Thanks to its partnership with Interpulse, Stichting De Groentedeler has grown significantly over the past few years. With expert guidance from this Leiden-based technology company, we invested in a new website with an integrated donation platform. This has enabled us to reach more people, raise more funds and make a greater impact for the more than 500 households that rely on the support of Voedselbank Leiden in 2026.

The collaboration has developed into a valuable long-term partnership. As part of its commitment to corporate social responsibility, Interpulse continues to support us with advice, innovations and by keeping our digital systems up to date.

 

Technology that helps people move forward

Interpulse helps organisations to make the most of technology. Its services range from ICT management and cybersecurity to web development, software development, automation and AI solutions. Whatever the project, the goal remains the same: giving people more time to focus on their expertise and core responsibilities.

“A great deal of time is often lost on administrative processes, communication and repetitive tasks that can easily be automated,” says John Zee, Project Manager Web Development at Interpulse. “Today’s technological developments and AI make it much easier to create custom software and work more efficiently. Think of AI assistants, automatically processing information from emails, connecting different systems or sending personalised communications, just as we’ve implemented for De Groentedeler.”

 

A social responsibility

When asked why corporate social responsibility matters, John is clear.

“As a business, you have the opportunity to share your knowledge, create opportunities and give something back to the community you operate in,” he says. “We do that by supporting social organisations such as Stichting De Groentedeler, sponsoring cultural events and offering internships and graduation projects to students from nearby universities and colleges. Our ambition is to keep helping people move forward. Just like De Groentedeler does, only we do it through technology.”

According to Interpulse, socially driven projects often differ from commercial assignments. Not because the technical challenges are different, but because these projects usually leave more room for innovation, collaboration and creativity.

“During an internship, for example, students can explore new technologies or innovative ideas that we can immediately test in practice for a foundation or local initiative. We also develop software that can later be applied more broadly. What works for a cultural organisation may also benefit an entrepreneur, and vice versa. That way, everyone gains.”

By actively thinking along with organisations and investing in genuine partnerships, Interpulse builds long-term relationships based on mutual trust.

“For us, personal contact always comes first. It allows you to quickly understand new organisations and sectors and work together on the best solutions for a wide variety of challenges. Over time, you know exactly what to expect from each other, and that makes the collaboration even more valuable. We experience this with De Groentedeler as well. We understand each other quickly, and that translates into better results.”

 

The advise: start small

Not every company has the resources to make large financial donations. Fortunately, corporate social responsibility goes far beyond giving money.

“My advice would be to use your own expertise if you want to help an organisation or initiative,” says John. “When your social commitment grows naturally from your own knowledge, values and strengths, you create partnerships that benefit everyone involved.”

To connect with organisations that could benefit from your expertise, John recommends starting close to home.

“Attend local networking events or simply ask around among friends and colleagues. Chances are someone knows a foundation, association or community initiative that could use some support. Start the conversation and, over time, new opportunities will naturally come your way. Especially if you actively communicate that you’re open to corporate social responsibility partnerships through your website, newsletter and social media channels.”

Thinking you’d like to support Stichting De Groentedeler too? We’d love to hear from you and explore the possibilities together.

 

Moving forward

Looking to the future, Interpulse sees enormous opportunities in making smarter use of data, automation and artificial intelligence.

“Many organisations already have access to large amounts of information. The real challenge is turning that data into valuable insights,” says John. “Right now, the possibilities are virtually endless. From data analysis that helps guide strategic decisions to using technology to shape an organisation’s long-term direction. When I look at De Groentedeler, there are still countless opportunities to support its mission. Who knows, one day we might create a digital vegetable coach or a cooking coach that helps people eat healthy. Or perhaps we’ll develop a digital assistant that answers questions from donors and volunteers. I’m excited to see what we’ll create and achieve together in the years ahead.”

What a wonderful day it was! On Saturday, May 9, Stichting De Groentedeler joined forces with Zelfoogsttuin Bij Mei at the (H)eerlijke Lentemarkt (spring market) in Zoeterwoude-Dorp. We look back on a lovely sunny day filled with meaningful conversations, new encounters, and valuable connections.

 

Introducing Stichting De Groentedeler

For many visitors, this was their first introduction to Stichting De Groentedeler. The market provided a wonderful opportunity to share who we are, what we do, and why this work matters so much to us.

We talked about the power of sharing. About how organic vegetables are grown and eventually reach clients of Voedselbank Leiden, but also about the important role volunteers, partnerships, and donors play in making this possible. It was inspiring to see how many positive responses we received. People were curious, enthusiastic, and often moved by the idea that locally grown vegetables can directly contribute to healthy food for people in the region.

“What a wonderful initiative,” one visitor told us. “I didn’t know Stichting De Groentedeler yet, but I’m definitely going to take a closer look at the website and would love to stay informed.”

Another visitor had already heard something about Stichting De Groentedeler at Zelfoogsttuin Bij Mei. Meeting us at the market gave us the chance to explain more about our initiative. Yet another attendee turned out to be a valuable conversation partner for working together toward shared goals.

Throughout the day, we met inspiring people and had meaningful conversations. The (H)eerlijke Lentemarkt in Zoeterwoude-Dorp proved to be a valuable place to connect with new people and build relationships.

 

The importance of healthy food

Many visitors were surprised to learn that fresh vegetables are still scarce within food aid programmes. This made our conversations especially valuable. Through these conversations, we were able to raise awareness, underline the importance of healthy nutrition, and inspire collective action to improve access to healthy food for those who need it most.

Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about Stichting De Groentedeler, everyone can play a role in making a difference.

What made these conversations even more special was the fact that Zelfoogsttuin Bij Mei was right next to us at the neighbouring stand. Visitors who were unfamiliar with the self-harvest garden could speak directly with the grower, while those already familiar with the garden gained a clearer understanding of our initiative because they already knew where our vegetables come from.

 

Thank you to everyone who stopped by!

We look back on this wonderful market with great pleasure and would like to thank everyone who visited our stand, asked questions, shared ideas, or was simply curious about our story.

Filled with renewed energy, we are looking forward to everything this season will bring. We hope to see you again soon, perhaps at the Natuur & Ambachtsmarkt (Nature & Crafts Market) on June 13, in the park along the Zoeterwoudse Singel.

Will you join us?

At the beginning of March, we were delighted to welcome Joost van Stek as the new chairman of Stichting De Groentedeler. With this article you get an introduction to who he is, what he stands for, and what his ambitions are when it comes to healthy foods and sustainability.

 

Discovering De Groentedeler

When his wife heard about the work of Stichting De Groentedeler through the coordinator of the harvest volunteers at church, she enthusiastically shared it with Joost. He was immediately intrigued and decided to visit Zelfoogsttuin Bij Mei, where the organic vegetables for the foundation are grown and harvested.

“The combination of working together for a good cause and being outdoors immediately appealed to me,” Joost explains. “I started volunteering in the garden and became increasingly involved. The board, an enthusiastic group of people with a clear social mission, then asked how I could contribute to the bigger picture, using my legal expertise or otherwise.”

After some time, when the role of chairman became available following the departure of Peter Klapwijk, the board asked Joost to take on the position. “I did have to think about it for a moment. I wondered whether I was the most suitable person for the role among the other board members. But I quickly realized how meaningful it would be to continue the foundation’s path together with such experienced people.”

 

A strong combination of ambitions

For Joost, Stichting De Groentedeler brings together several essential values. “Collaboration, raising awareness for a sustainable planet, respect for nature, connecting people, promoting sustainable agriculture, and supporting those who cannot afford it. Each of these is valuable on its own, but together they strengthen one another. That’s where the impact and beauty of Stichting De Groentedeler lies,” he says.

With awareness as a key theme, he also focuses on sustainability. “I’ve always loved nature, from walking and cycling to playing rugby and working with the soil. Over the past 10–15 years, sustainability has gained much more attention. We need to live more sustainably, because in some ways the earth is already exhausted. By being more conscious of the energy we waste, consuming more responsibly, recycling more, and using our resources more carefully, we can turn the tide. Together, we can take a step forward toward a better future and a better society.”

 

Full speed ahead

Looking ahead, Joost sees opportunities for further growth within Stichting De Groentedeler, perhaps even beyond city boundaries. “How great would it be if, in the coming years, we could expand our way of working to other towns and cities? That we can share our knowledge and experience so similar initiatives can emerge, helping provide vegetables to local food banks and contributing to our broader goals.”

He is also eager to explore additional ways to support people facing financial difficulties. “There is still a significant shortage of fresh vegetables for food bank clients, so we will continue to investigate how to increase both our impact and our production.”

 

Collaboration as the foundation

Looking towards the future, one theme stands out for Joost: collaboration. “Not only within the board and with our volunteers or through our valuable partnerships with Zelfoogsttuin Bij Mei and Voedselbank Leiden, but also with the people around us: supporters, donors, funds, businesses, municipalities, and regional organizations. We are deeply grateful for their support. Together, we can make real progress,” he says.

“In recent years, we have seen how much people care about what we do. It’s important to keep drawing attention to the foundation, our goals, and how we achieve them together. In the coming months, we’ll do this at markets and events, but anyone who knows us can help by continuing to share our story.”

Anyone who would like to contribute can download our posters, a flyer, and our logo from our website. So, would you like to tell your friends and family more about Stichting De Groentedeler? Take a look and see what materials you can use. Want to learn more about Joost or share ideas or suggestions? Don’t hesitate to get in touch.

In the week of March 9, representatives from several boards gathered around the table at Voedselbank Leiden. Together they share the responsibility of providing well-grown, fresh vegetables for people who cannot afford to buy them themselves.

 

Aligning efforts for greater impact

The meeting brought together board members from Stichting Leiden Oogst, Stichting De Groentedeler and Voedselbank Leiden. The goal was to better coordinate their efforts, both in terms of fundraising and in engaging local media.

The discussion quickly sparked many enthusiastic ideas. Among them was the plan to keep each other better informed about upcoming activities, to collaborate during special events, and to align the crop plan more closely with the needs of the recipients. Another proposal was to involve volunteers from the three organizations more actively in each other’s work. This would give them a broader understanding of what each foundation does and how their efforts contribute to supporting the clients of Voedselbank Leiden.

 

Moving forward with fresh energy

Following this meeting, the organizations will continue to strengthen their collaboration and meet regularly at board level. It was a valuable gathering of like-minded people that generated new ideas and renewed energy for the future of the foundations involved.

Would you like to contribute to a new season of fresh, organic vegetables for the clients of Voedselbank Leiden?
Consider making a donation to support new harvest subscriptions.

In March 2026, we will say goodbye to our current chair, Peter Klapwijk. He is one of the founders of Stichting De Groentedeler, which originated within the former sustainability working group of Ekklesia Leiden. “The very first idea was to start a Herenboeren project,” Peter explains. “With my background as an entrepreneur in greenhouse horticulture, I knew what that would require. You are essentially setting up a business. That’s why I thought we should also explore whether we could connect with something that already existed.”

In the summer of 2020, that search led Peter to Mariska Verhulst, owner of the self-harvest garden Bij Mei in Zoeterwoude. “Fairly quickly, I asked her whether she would be open to working together. We didn’t know exactly how, but we were both positive about continuing the conversation,” Peter says. When he reported back to the sustainability group, everything fell into place. Several members were involved with Voeldselbank Leiden and suggested donating harvest subscriptions. No surplus or leftover produce, but fresh vegetables grown specifically for the food bank’s clients. An idea that was immediately met with enthusiasm by Voedselbank Leiden as well.

 

Volunteers as the backbone

The project started with 20 harvest subscriptions. A budget was drawn up, in which Peter included a cost item for a paid harvester. Within the Ekklesia, however, it was decided that no paid labor would be involved and that the harvest would be carried by volunteers. “Honestly, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect,” Peter recalls. “But now I see that this has become one of the greatest strengths of Stichting De Groentedeler. A group of enthusiastic volunteers quickly came together. People from the city, often without gardening experience, who learned how to weed and harvest. That is incredibly valuable.”

Born at a market garden himself, Peter is very familiar with the process of growing vegetables. “What’s so beautiful about the volunteer harvesting role is that people from the city get the chance to see how the vegetables they eat every day actually grow. They learn what it takes to harvest vegetables, what the growing process looks like, and how plants are cared for. For me, that touches on something bigger. I have always dreamed of food production right in the middle of the city. To show people how things grow. To create respect for food and for the earth. Here, you really see that happening.”

 

From project to foundation

As the project grew, so did the financial responsibility. A flow of donations for the harvest subscriptions began, and there was a growing need for reserves to safeguard continuity. Continuity that is essential to keep providing clients of Voedselbank Leiden with healthy food.

In 2023, De Groentedeler officially became a foundation. “One of the most beautiful things in our foundation is that the idea that started within the Ekklesia has grown into something that belongs to everyone,” Peter says. “It has grown beyond the walls of the church. Today, people from all kinds of backgrounds work together, united by a shared vision. That is something special.”

Peter also sees this as the great strength of Stichting De Groentedeler for the future. “As soon as people hear what we do, they are often willing to get involved,” he says. “So the key is to keep telling the story of De Groentedeler and to keep involving people in our activities. I will continue to do that with great enthusiasm.”

 

Passing on the baton

For Peter, the time has now come to pass on the baton. “I’m a builder,” he says. “Over the past years, we have created something truly meaningful together. We built a website where people can not only find information, but also donate. This has helped us to grow every year. There have been two benefit performances, in which a young group of artists from Leiden helped raise funds. Churches organized collections, and more and more donors joined us. In this way, we have become a stable and reliable presence that clients of Voedselbank Leiden can count on. Last year alone, our volunteers harvested more than 10,000 portions of fresh vegetables. That is fantastic. I look back on my time as chair with great pleasure and I’m happy to see how the baton is being passed on.”

Peter is sure that Stichting De Groentedeler will continue to grow. He also hopes that the success of the foundation will plant a seed for other regions. “Who knows, maybe one day there will be a Stichting De Groentedeler Alphen aan den Rijn,” he says. “We can share our concept, our knowledge and experience, after which a new local initiative can emerge elsewhere. Carried by volunteers and working together with local producers.”

People, planet, profit, these are the three pillars that define Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Do the activities of a company add value to people? What impact do they have on the planet? And how does this relate to the profit being made? Over the past years, sustainability and CSR have steadily moved higher on the agenda. Both individuals and companies are taking steps to act more sustainably and raise awareness around sustainable living. A positive development that benefits everyone.

 

From funds to expertise!

Corporate Social Responsibility can take many shapes. From donating funds to offering products, from organising fundraising campaigns to providing hands-on support by deploying staff on location. TEAM LEWIS, a global agency specialized in online marketing, PR, creative services and strategy, is a great example of a company that supports good causes not only financially, but also through time and expertise.

 

A generous contribution

Earlier this year, Stichting De Groentedeler received the message that TEAM LEWIS wished to donate funds to purchase new vegetable subscriptions. Through the conversations that followed, we learned that employees at TEAM LEWIS, via the TEAM LEWIS Foundation, can annually allocate a fixed donation to a charity of their choice, with the company providing the funds. In the past five years, more than 2,500 charities have been supported through this initiative, and that number continues to grow.

“We’re currently supporting around two charities per workday across our global business,” says Erik Janson, Digital Strategy Director at TEAM LEWIS. “It’s incredible to be able to donate like this for five years now. With our low-threshold giving programme, we help local initiatives that truly make an impact in the community. My community, to be precise. As someone born and raised in Leiden, it means a lot to support an organisation in my hometown that helps families who, due to circumstances, lack access to healthy food.”

 

The expertise of TEAM LEWIS

Following the kind donation, we dared to ask a bold question: “Would you also like to share your thoughts on our marketing opportunities in Leiden?”
Erik immediately said yes, and by late October we were sitting together over coffee in Leiden. We explored communication possibilities in the city and brainstormed potential new collaborations to strengthen our visibility. It turned into a valuable, inspiring conversation full of fresh ideas to help Stichting De Groentedeler reach more people.

“Social engagement doesn’t always require large sums of money,” says Jan Blok, fundraiser at Stichting De Groentedeler. “Every company has something to offer; knowledge, resources, or a network. Companies like TEAM LEWIS show how powerful that combination can be.”

 

Looking for opportunities?

Would your company also like to make a meaningful social contribution? Or are you searching for a socially responsible corporate gift? Feel free to reach out! We’d be delighted to explore the possibilities together.

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.