Food Rescue

In Greece, food waste remains a significant challenge, contributing to both economic and environmental problems. Despite various efforts, 10% of the population still faces food insecurity—higher than the European average. That’s where your support is crucial!

Our Food Rescue Program addresses this issue by rescuing surplus food and distributing it to those in need. It’s not just about providing meals; it’s about offering support, creating a sense of belonging, and fostering a safe space where people gather to share food and connect with others.

As a volunteer, you’ll work alongside food rescue organizations, including shelters and community kitchens, to ensure that nutritious meals reach individuals and families experiencing hunger. Your efforts will help reduce food waste while making a meaningful impact on Athens’ communities.

 

 

What to Expect:

  • Food Preparation: Assist in separating food and organizing it for meal boxes.

  • Food Collection: Participate in the collection of surplus food, mainly from food markets, to be distributed to beneficiaries.

  • Organizing and Storing Food: Help organize containers, wash and dry equipment, and store food in refrigerators and freezers.

  • Meal Box Preparation: Organize and prepare meal boxes for distribution to families and beneficiaries.

  • Quality Control: Ensure food quality by conducting checks on the meals and packages.

  • Distribution Assistance: Confirm the beneficiary list and hand out food to the individuals and families in need.

 

 

Daily Tasks:

  • Assist in Food Prep: Separate food items, organize ingredients, and prepare meals for distribution.

  • Join the Collection Team: Collect surplus food from local markets and help transport it to shelters or community kitchens.

  • Organize Storage: Wash, dry, and organize food containers and equipment, ensuring proper storage in freezers and refrigerators.

  • Pack Meal Boxes: Prepare and pack meal boxes for beneficiaries, ensuring they meet the nutritional needs of each recipient.

  • Conduct Quality Checks: Perform quality control on food items to guarantee safe and nutritious meals.

  • Distribute Food: Confirm the beneficiary list and distribute food boxes to those in need, creating an organized and supportive process.

 

Why Join?

  • Make an Impact: Help combat food waste and hunger, contributing to a more sustainable and compassionate community in Athens.

  • Gain Experience: Develop skills in food management, logistics, and community support while working with a passionate team.

  • Cultural Immersion: Experience Athens’ culture while making a tangible difference in the lives of people facing food insecurity.

 

Ready to Join?

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Included

  • Airport pickup on Sundays, straight to your accommodation
  • Stay in a socially or environmentally impactful hostel—female, male, or mixed dorms
  • Access to a common room and free Wi-Fi!
  • Three meals a day—veggie, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options available upon request
  • Orientation on arrival: culture, volunteering, program details, and safety
  • We’ll hook you up with an impactful non-profit project and handle the coordination
  • Guided city tour with top tips for exploring
  • Ongoing support throughout your stay
  • 24/7 emergency support, just in case
Book now

Can I cook in the accommodation?

Yes, the hostel has an eqquiped kitchen where you can cook yourself with the only condition of cleaning everything used afterwards.

Do I have to pay money for volunteering?

You are not paying for your volunteer work itself but for your stay with us overall. The costs for your program further include various elements that are part of your stay such as your accommodation, food, transportation from the airport, guided city tour, local coordination and 24/7 support for emergencies. Check the "Included" section of the program you want to choose for complete information!

Do I need to speak the local language?

No, you don't need to have any previous skills in the local language! All of our programs are run entirely in English and our guides and staff are all comfortable speaking English as well. However, we always encourage our participants to get acquainted with some of the most basic terms and expressions, as even just a simple "Good morning!" in the local language can be a great icebreaker to start interacting with the locals! There are also language lessons available for volunteers that can be booked before or upon arrival.

How and when do I get my volunteer certificate?

You can request your volunteer certificate to ImpacTrip or the local coordinator at the end of your program. 

How and when do I need to pay for my volunteer program with ImpacTrip?

The payment of your volunteer program is done by bank transfer. We will kindly ask you to pay 50% of your bill at the time of your booking to secure your spot! The other 50% will be due at least one month before your arrival!

How many people will be I be volunteering with?

Depending on your program and project, you might be joined by other ImpacTrip volunteers, but usually, you’ll either be on your own or with local volunteers. It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with locals and immerse yourself in the community and its lifestyle!

How much money should I bring to my program?

Once you've booked your program, be sure to reach out to your local coordinator to get the scoop on the cost of living in your destination—it can differ quite a bit! And don't forget to budget for public transportation, emergencies, airport drop-off, snacks, fun activities, and a bit of local shopping. Happy planning!

In case of need, how do I get health care?

All volunteers must arrive with private health insurance that covers the costs of any health service that may arise in their program destination.
With this insurance you can be treated at any private or public medical center. The medical expenses will be paid by you and when you return to your country you will have to present all the invoices to your insurance so don't forget to budget medical emergencies.
In the case of European volunteers, to facilitate the process, it is advisable to come with your European Health Card.

What is the minimum age to participate in this program? 18

The minimum age to participate in this program is 18 years.

Will I have time for some sight-seeing as well?

Of course! We want you to really get to know your natural and cultural surroundings and will provide you with useful tips and tricks that will help you discover the location of your stay like a local. 

Your shifts will generally last between 3 and 5 hours per day and will take place either in the morning, in the afternoon or in the evening, which will leave you with plenty of free time to go explore, take a stroll around your surroundings, catch the most important sites, interact with the locals or simply go and relax! And of course, you will have your weekends off as well!