The Social Project of the Theologisches Stift Göttingen 2025

Especially in light of the rising cost of living, the Theological Seminary (Theologisches Stift) has once again chosen the Göttingen Tafel as its social project for this semester, which we would like to support with our donation.

The Göttingen Tafel is committed to supporting people with low incomes by providing them with food. Surplus donated food is distributed free of charge to people in need. As a member of the national association Bundesverband Deutsche Tafel e.V., the Göttingen Tafel is also committed to various principles. These include, for example, the principle that the work of the Tafeln is primarily carried out by volunteers and supported by donors and sponsors. Moreover, the Tafel operates independently of political parties and religious denominations and accordingly supports all people in need, regardless of such affiliations.

Across Germany, up to 2 million people affected by poverty are currently supported through food donations distributed by the Tafel. Nationwide, about 60,000 volunteers support the work of the Tafel. The Tafeln do not provide full food supply; they mainly distribute fruit, vegetables, baked goods, some dairy products, and cold cuts. The Göttingen Tafel is also committed to education and awareness-raising. For instance, through its project "Tafel Göttingen e.V. unterwegs – informieren, sensibilisieren, gewinnen" ("On the Road – Informing, Raising Awareness, Engaging"), it offers lectures and discussion series on the topics of “poverty” and “food waste” in schools, church congregations, and other institutions. The aim is to reduce prejudices against people affected by poverty and to sharpen public awareness of social issues.

The Tafel is funded, among other sources, by donations from organizations and individuals. We at the Theological Seminary would like to contribute to this important work with our support this semester.