Volunteering at the Hamburg Table: Seven hours between abundance and want

Two retired men in Hamburg spend their Fridays collecting food donations for the city’s needy, navigating through supermarkets and bakeries to rescue edible items before they go to waste. Riko and Peter, both in their sixties, have been volunteering with the Hamburger Tafel for several years, helping to distribute thousands of kilograms of food each week to around 40,000 people. Their routine begins early in the morning, starting just after seven o'clock, as they set off on a tour through Hamburg's inner city, visiting 14 different stores and shops. The pair, who met three years ago, have formed a close working relationship, with Peter driving while Riko handles the logistics of loading and unloading the donated goods. The journey starts at an inclusive supermarket in the district of Barmbek, where Peter has established a rapport with the staff. He knows exactly which areas to check and which items are likely to be available. After greeting the employees with a friendly “Moin moin,” he collects crates of vegetables and other perishable goods. These items are then transferred into the back of the van, where they will later be sorted and distributed to the collection center in Iserbrook. The process involves careful selection, ensuring that only food that is still safe and edible is taken. This is based on a simple rule: take only what one would eat themselves. As the morning progresses, the two volunteers move on to another stop, a well-off neighborhood in Uhlenhorst, where they visit an Edeka store. Here, Peter approaches the warehouse area, asking the staff if there are any donations available. The response is always positive, with boxes of fruits, vegetables, ready-made meals, and baked goods waiting behind the rolling doors. With a pull of the cord, the door opens, revealing stacks of food that will soon find their way to those in need. Riko, seated in the driver's seat, waits patiently as Peter loads the goods into the van, making sure everything fits securely. For Riko, who previously worked in banking, volunteering with the Tafel provides a sense of purpose and community engagement. He explains that after retiring, he wanted to avoid becoming a “couch potato,” simply reading emails and talking on the phone all day. Instead, he chose to contribute meaningfully to society, finding fulfillment in his work with the organization. Similarly, Peter, originally from Bavaria, had spent his career in publishing before deciding to dedicate his time to charitable activities. Both men emphasize the importance of social interaction and physical activity, noting that the Tafel brings together individuals from all walks of life, from young volunteers participating in federal service programs to professionals taking days off from work and retirees seeking meaningful engagement. The Hamburger Tafel relies heavily on the efforts of its approximately 120 volunteers, many of whom are retired individuals. Only eight staff members are employed full-time, highlighting the crucial role played by unpaid workers in sustaining the organization’s operations. The volunteers range in age from teenagers to octogenarians, reflecting the diverse nature of the group. Each week, they collect and distribute vast quantities of food, ensuring that no edible item goes to waste. This effort not only helps feed the hungry but also reduces environmental impact by preventing unnecessary disposal of food products. Throughout their route, Riko and Peter maintain a steady pace, moving efficiently from one location to another. They communicate frequently, offering advice and support to each other as they navigate the challenges of their task. Despite the physical demands of their work, both men remain committed to their mission, driven by the knowledge that their efforts make a tangible difference in the lives of others. As they continue their journey through Hamburg, the two volunteers embody the spirit of community service, demonstrating how individual contributions can collectively address pressing social issues.