What exactly do you do?
‘At the moment we are mainly concerned with the distribution of food surpluses. We do this by, for example, calling fruit and vegetable auctions. They often have large residual stock which is perfectly fine, but which they can’t get rid of because the market is saturated, for example. The stock is then thrown away. We collect those leftovers, we have a pop-up distribution centre on Marconistraat, and we ensure that the fruit and/or vegetables end up where it’s needed.’
Who receives your products?
‘The Delfshaven Helpt initiative in Delfshaven. It’s an umbrella initiative in Rotterdam West that knows exactly what’s going on in the district. With the leftovers we receive, we can, for example, support meal initiatives such as Zadkine Startcollege. The residual stock is not always suitable for the Food Bank because it’s perishable, but it can still be used in a meal. We collect and deliver the products. Delfshaven Helpt is in charge of where it ends up. We are just the distribution centre in this process. Our goal is to deliver as many healthy products as possible. That’s what we’re lobbying for.’
You’re also developing a training programme?
‘That’s right. We think it’s important that young people also know where fruit and vegetables come from. That a tomato with a bruise is not a problem, that you can cut it out instead of throwing away the whole tomato. We have a garden on-site to show how fruit and vegetables are grown, and we have a construction shed with a kitchen where you can turn the products into a meal. Unfortunately, that has stopped for the moment.’