On March 28th, Peter Bäsch and Dieter Weiler from Tafel Koblenz were interviewed by Jennifer from Einfach machen. They not only introduced the work of Tafel but also shared fascinating insights into their daily routines, challenges, and values.
You can watch the full interview for free on YouTube:
What is Tafel, anyway?
For the past 25 years, Tafel Koblenz has been providing food to people in need—food that would otherwise be thrown away. But their work is not only about helping individuals, it’s also a meaningful contribution to climate protection. Over the years, they’ve saved around 20,000 tons of food—worth approximately 50 million euros.
Who comes to Tafel?
Most visitors are elderly people who regularly rely on this support. However, single parents, small families, and occasionally students or young adults also use the service—though still far too rarely. To better reach this group, an idea was discussed: anonymously placing food packages on doorsteps. This could help reduce barriers and encourage new people to visit Tafel.
Challenging times: The refugee crises
In recent years, two major events have shaped Tafel’s work:
– The refugee crisis in 2015, during which shelters were directly supplied
– The war in Ukraine in 2022, which led to a special distribution point for refugees being organized within just two weeks. This initiative still exists today—now welcoming a more diverse group of visitors.
The heart of Tafel: Volunteer helpers
Around 260 people currently volunteer at Tafel Koblenz—all unpaid. Unlike many other Tafeln in Germany, there’s no major organization like Caritas or Diakonie supporting them in the background. The entire operation runs solely on donations.
To make the physically demanding work manageable—especially for older volunteers—great emphasis is placed on high-quality equipment: new vehicles, modern warehouse technology, pallet trucks, and more. After all, around 1,500 tons of food are handled manually every single year!
Climate protection included
An aspect that once received little attention but has become increasingly important: Tafel’s work is also a form of active climate protection. The food saved here every day would otherwise end up in the trash—along with all the environmental consequences that come with it.
Conclusion:
Tafel Koblenz is far more than just a food distribution center. It’s a place of community, compassion, and change—driven by people who give their time, energy, and heart.
Watch the full video interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8hSaqCZYrc