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.