Food insecurity and food waste remain pressing challenges even in wealthy nations like the United States and Germany. Despite their strong economies, both countries face persistent inequities in access to healthy food, while millions of tons of edible food are wasted each year. My recent research project, which involved combining policy analysis with three weeks of volunteer experience at Berliner Tafel, offered me a unique lens through which to compare the nonprofit responses in both countries. What I found highlights not only structural and cultural differences but also valuable lessons for improving food security efforts in the United States.
Comparing the Landscape
The scope of food insecurity is markedly different between the two countries. In 2023, 13.5% of U.S. households were food insecure, with 5.1% classified as “very food insecure.” In Germany, that figure was significantly lower: 3.8% of the population in 2022. Food waste statistics reveal a similar disparity. The U.S. discards between 30–40% of its annual food supply, roughly 60 million tons, while Germany wasted 11–12 million tons in 2021. These statistics point to more than just numbers. They reflect underlying differences in policy, culture, and nonprofit operations that shape how each society approaches hunger and waste.
A Firsthand Look at Berliner Tafel
During my volunteer placement at Berliner Tafel, I participated in what volunteers called “food tours”, these were daily trips to local grocers and bakeries to collect surplus items. Bread, produce, and other fresh items that were unsold but still safe for consumption formed the backbone of the organization’s redistribution system. Once collected, everything was sorted for quality and safety before being delivered to community partners such as shelters and churches. When fewer fresh donations were available, Tafel supplemented distributions with Motatos boxes, which contained surplus dry goods and household items sourced from an online retailer committed to reducing waste. These practices ensured consistency of supply while keeping sustainability at the forefront. Even internally, waste reduction was embedded in the culture. Staff and volunteers shared daily meals prepared from food unsuitable for redistribution but still safe to eat. At just €1 per meal, this approach not only minimized waste but also reinforced solidarity among participants.
Key Differences Between U.S. and German Models
Several structural and cultural factors explain why Germany experiences lower levels of both food insecurity and food waste:
- Partnerships with Retailers: German Tafeln systematically partner with grocery stores to recover surplus food daily. By contrast, many U.S. food banks depend heavily on community donations, which limits access to unsold but edible products.
- Distribution Models: In the U.S., some food banks allow clients to choose what they need, which provides dignity but can create inequities when demand outpaces supply. German Tafeln deliver pre-portioned packages, ensuring more equitable distribution across households.
- Policy Context: Germany’s welfare system, including unemployment benefits under the Bürgergeld program, child allowances, and housing support, helps prevent extreme insecurity. In the U.S., programs such as SNAP and WIC are vital yet often insufficient; in 2022, 37% of SNAP households remained food insecure.
- Cultural Attitudes: Sustainability is a deeply rooted cultural value in Germany. Recycling, waste sorting, and food rescue practices are widely accepted and actively supported. In the U.S., cultural preferences for abundance and choice can overshadow sustainability concerns, contributing to higher waste levels.
Reflections and Implications
This project reinforced how closely linked food insecurity and food waste are, two challenges that are too often studied in isolation. The German model demonstrates that addressing them together can produce more effective and sustainable outcomes. By partnering with retailers, emphasizing equity in distribution, and embedding sustainability into operations, German nonprofits like the Tafel both reduce waste and alleviate hunger. The United States could benefit from adopting elements of this model. Strengthening food recovery partnerships, developing fairer distribution systems, and expanding social safety nets could significantly reduce both food waste and hunger.
Conclusion
My time with the Berliner Tafel underscored that solutions to food insecurity extend beyond simply providing meals. They require systemic coordination across government policy, nonprofit practice, and cultural values. Germany’s approach, which is anchored in sustainability, equity, and collaboration, offers powerful insights for rethinking how the United States tackles hunger. If these lessons are applied, fewer families would go hungry, and less food would go to waste.
Acknowledgements
I am incredibly thankful to the Berliner Tafel organization for welcoming me into their community and allowing me to take part in their daily work. From food tours to sorting donations and sharing meals with volunteers, I gained not only research insights but also a deeper appreciation for the values of sustainability and solidarity that guide their mission. I would also like to thank my advisor, Dr. Mark Roche, for his thoughtful mentorship, as well as the Nanovic Institute for European Studies and Franco Institute for Student Funding at the University of Notre Dame for making this project possible. Most importantly, I want to acknowledge the dedicated volunteers and community partners I met in Berlin, their generosity, teamwork, and commitment to helping others left a lasting impression on me and shaped the way I think about food insecurity and service.
Kameleonalani Detweiler is a senior biological sciences major with a minor in German studies.
Originally published by at nanovic.nd.edu on January 29, 2026.