Volunteers from vulnerable groups work in the Food Garden

Mar 23, 2025Farm to Fork, Food Security, Inspiring initiative, Netherlands

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Volunteers from vulnerable groups work in the Food Garden in Rotterdam, the Netherlands

The Voedseltuin (the Food Garden) Rotterdam was founded in 2010 as a foundation with the purpose of providing fresh vegetables and fruit to the Food Bank in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The initiative aims to increase sustainable food production and provides places to learn and work for people from vulnerable groups.

Cooperating with nature
The initiative and its volunteers focus on the production of sustainable and organic vegetable and fruits without the use of pesticides and on the basis of permaculture. The Voedseltuin states that it ‘cooperates’ with nature, rather than manipulating it. As such, the garden constitutes a place of sustainable urban agriculture and food production.

For low-income people
The produce is donated to the Rotterdam Food bank among other social projects, such as the Islamic Food Bank. Consequently, people with low-income get better access to sustainable food. The Voedseltuin also implements specific projects, such as the development of a food forest in 2018. The forest’s harvests were also destined for Food Banks.

Increasing awareness
Another activity by The Voedseltuin is increasing awareness of sustainable food production. Namely, it provides workshops and education to children, youth groups, and enterprises related to education on permaculture, nature and sustainability.

An inclusive space
The Voedseltuin Rotterdam helps vulnerable groups by providing them with an activity which they can do during the day. This includes people who receive social support, are unemployed or have psychological health issues. The initiative lets them volunteer and work in the gardens. This way, the Voedseltuin seeks to provide an inclusive space for people belonging to different vulnerable groups.