Food and drink

As one of the needs identified by Maslow, food is one of those things you simply can't do without.

Thankfully there are multiple ways to access your daily nutritional requirements in Berlin.

Foodsharing is an inspirational project that allows it's members to collect food from bakeries, supermarkets, restaurants and hotels throughout Germany, Austria and Switzerland. This food would otherwise be thrown into landfill.
How to use this system (basic level of German necessary - approx B1 level):

• You need to register on the website
• Pass a (quite difficult) 20 question multiple choice quiz in German
• Arrange for three "trial pick ups"
• Once you get your membership card you can join any of the "teams" for the various participating businesses
• Find empty collection appointments and agree to collect at that specific time

Dumpstering/ Container-diving is a popular pursuit and a handy map, but not comprehensive, can be found here. Remember to bring your gloves and a torch.

VolksKueche (VoKu) are places where you can get a full (usually vegetarian) meal against donation or a small amount (3€). The ingredients are usually "saved" from supermarkets. Quality of the meals on offer can vary considerably between different locations and even different days.

Tap water is perfectly safe and healthy to drink in Berlin.

Vegetarians (and especially vegans) enjoy a less costly weekly food bill, as meat and dairy products do tend to cost more.

If you are concerned with reducing food packaging waste there are bulk buying stores which encourage you to bring your own containers eg Dr Pogo in Neukoelln.