Free Food: Where to Find It
There are numerous ways to get free or affordable food across Europe:
- Food Banks: National food banks distribute donated food to those in need. In the UK, the Trussell Trust operates over 1,400 food bank centers.
- Food Sharing Apps: Too Good To Go and OLIO connect people with surplus food from restaurants and neighbors.
- Community Fridges: Public fridges where anyone can leave or take food for free.
Unites national food banks in 30 European countries. Distributes approximately 834,000 tons of food annually to over 12 million people.
30 Countries12M+ People
Services: Food distribution, food rescue
eurofoodbank.org →
UK's largest food bank network with over 1,400 food bank centers. Provides three-day emergency food parcels.
UK1,400+ Centers
Services: Emergency food parcels, signposting to local services
trusselltrust.org →
App connecting restaurants and stores with surplus food to customers at 1/3 of the original price. Over 85 million users in 17 countries.
17 Countries85M+ Users
Services: Surprise bags, food rescue, reduced prices
toogoodtogo.com →
World's largest food sharing network. Connects neighbors to share surplus food for free. Active in 38 countries.
38 CountriesFree
Services: Food sharing, household items, community
olioapp.com →
Platform for sharing food for free. Food Share Points in many neighborhoods. Over 200,000 members in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
DE/AT/CH200,000+ Members
Services: Food Share Points, food rescue, community
foodsharing.de →
UK's largest charity fighting hunger and food waste. Redistributes surplus food to charities and community groups.
UK9,500+ Charities
Services: Food redistribution, community meals
fareshare.org.uk →
Global confederation of Catholic relief organizations. Provides food aid, soup kitchens, and emergency support across Europe.
InternationalNonprofit
Services: Food aid, soup kitchens, emergency support
caritas.org →