Overview
- The network served about 1.5 million people across more than 970 outlets in 2025, with nearly 30% of clients being children.
- Roughly 265,000 tonnes of food were recovered from disposal this year, which Tafel equates to about 500 kilograms per minute.
- Retailers’ more precise, AI-supported ordering has tightened supermarket surplus, so Tafel is sourcing more food directly from manufacturers.
- Capacity remains stretched, with about one-third of local branches keeping waiting lists or intake stops despite 77,000 helpers, including 72,000 volunteers.
- Leaders attribute the pressure to high living costs such as rents and food prices and are urging 2026 measures including living wages, stronger pensions and benefits, rent relief, and a law that makes donating cheaper than discarding food.