Reducing disposal, increasing encounters
Tasty Tuesday Shutdown
Today, the "regular" culinary escapades at B-Side's cultural hub are on hold. Curious visitors may have been tempted by the mouth-watering aroma wafting through the air. Upon closer inspection, one finds a charmingly set folding table, inviting passersby to gather around steaming pots brimming with vegetarian goulash, generously offered at no charge!
Catching up with Anton, a Foodsharing Münster volunteer ambassador, ALLES MÜNSTER unveiled the story behind this delightful surprise.
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Origins of the Foodsharing Café
The concept of a food sharing café isn't new; it was born six years ago in the bustling city of Stuttgart, with many other urban areas since adopting the idea. Nevertheless, it took time and effort to start such a project in Münster. Last year, a group of dedicated individuals turned their vision into a reality through hard work, united by a common desire to make a difference. The initial meetup led to the formation of a diverse team of approximately 15 volunteers.
Unpaid Warriors
Yes, as you've correctly guessed, every member of this noble initiative works on a volunteer basis.
The Food supply Chain
The food served at the café is primarily surplus from various points along the food production supply chain. This may include misshapen fruits and vegetables discarded due to size requirements, over-processed goods, and culinary leftovers from retailers, wholesalers, bakeries, and homes. By rescuing these items, the team ensures that food that might have otherwise ended up in the trash is put to good use.
Join the Movement
If you have excess food at home, small or large quantities, consider donating it to one of the many local “Fairteiler,” or donate to Foodsharing Münster by reaching out through email or social media. They are always happy to collaborate with schools, businesses, and individuals that continually have surplus food.
The Kitchen Transformation
B-Side's kitchen was made available for this project, although some contractual and insurance concerns had to be addressed first.
In the Kitchen
No need for professional chefs with this crew - the team is made up of improvisers and innovators, not trained culinary artists. They adapt to the fruits of their labor, which is often harvested from varying sources, requiring adaptable cooking skills. There's no set menu, and dishes are created based on available ingredients.
Who Benefits?
Everyone is invited to partake in the food sharing café, regardless of financial status. The team hopes to foster connections and encourage diverse individuals to gather, break bread, and share their stories.
A Cost-Free Experience
While the team understands that minor expenses are unavoidable, they aim to keep the project financially accessible for all. Donations are appreciated but not required. The project has received support through its recent victory in the environmental award of the city of Münster, ensuring they have a financial buffer for rent and other essential expenses.
*Editor's Corner:
Jasmin OtmanEditor at ALLES MÜNSTERI am originally from Mönchengladbach, where I studied social work. I fell in love with the beautiful Münster in 2018 and relocated here. Besides my job in the hospital, I enjoy the diversity of gastronomy, culture, and nature.Latest Posts- Reduced Waste, Expanded Connections - Yesterday, the "Foodsharing Café Münster" opened at B-Side's cultural hub at Mittelhafen, offering delicious food that would have otherwise ended up in the trash.- Lilo Wanders' Birthday Bash - On Sunday, the Adam Riese Show celebrated its 18th birthday.- Prepared for the Unthinkable - On Monday, a "Disaster and Civil Protection" symposium took place in Münster.
Additional Reading
- Food Sharing Basics
Food sharing initiatives like the foodsharing café typically aim to reduce food waste by collecting and distributing surplus food from various sources, such as supermarkets, grocery stores, restaurants, and community gardens. They rely on donations and partnerships with local businesses and organizations to source their food.
- Making a Difference Every Day
When it comes to eliminating food waste and promoting sustainable living, even small actions can make a difference. From composting food scraps, choosing locally sourced products, and eliminating single-use plastics to becoming a Fairteiler contributor or starting a vegetarian or vegan food sharing café, there are numerous ways to participate in the movement towards a cleaner, greener world.
- The food sharing café at B-Side's cultural hub is a part of the environmental-science movement, aiming to reduce food waste and promote sustainable living, much like the concept born in Stuttgart six years ago.
- The ascending popularity of foodsharing initiatives doesn't only revolve around climate-change concerns but also encompasses the lifestyle aspect, particularly in terms of home-and-garden practices like composting food scraps.
- Aside from the interesting menu offerings, the Foodsharing Café is an excellent platform for people from diverse backgrounds to connect and share stories, reflecting the broader impact on the environment and our everyday choices such as food-and-drink consumption at home.
