From October 7 to 8, Network Development Coordinator Anna Friederitz had the opportunity to visit Toidupank Tallinn, FEBA’s member in Estonia. This visit was a pivotal moment to engage directly with the dedicated team working tirelessly to prevent food waste and combat food insecurity in the country.
During her time there, Anna and the Toidupank team engaged in fruitful discussions about the current and future implementation of EU Programmes aimed at tackling material deprivation, specifically the REACT-EU and ESF+ initiatives. The conversation highlighted critical challenges faced in food recovery, notably a decline in surplus donations from retailers. However, they also explored exciting opportunities within segments of the food supply chain, focusing on agriculture and the HORECA sector, which hold significant potential for enhancing food recovery efforts.
Anna’s visit was not limited to discussions. Accompanied by volunteer Nikolai, Anna participated in an evening food recovery tour, picking up 30 boxes of perfectly safe food from local supermarkets. This surplus included fresh fruits, yogurt, and baked goods, all of which were directly redistributed to two local charities, ensuring that the products reached those in need.
The second day was equally impactful, featuring a trip to the remote town of Loksa aboard the Toidubuss (food bus). There, Anna helped distribute 150 food parcels to elderly residents with small pensions, who often struggle to make ends meet. The joy and gratitude expressed by the recipients underscored the importance of such initiatives in fostering community support and alleviating food insecurity.
Additionally, Anna volunteered at a food redistribution hub in the Mustamäe district of Tallinn. Each week, this hub serves around 100 families with children, providing them with access to fresh and ambient food items. Witnessing the direct impact of this work was both inspiring and heartwarming.
Anna’s visit to Toidupank Tallinn reinforced the significance of collaboration, community engagement, and innovative solutions in the ongoing fight against food waste and hunger. Together, we can continue to build a stronger, more resilient food recovery network that ensures no one goes hungry.
