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.

Sharing all the world
