The Tafel Österreich, which originated from the Wiener Tafel, has been rescuing still edible food for 25 years and providing it free of charge to people affected by poverty through social institutions. In this way, over 100 social institutions such as mother-child homes, women's shelters, homeless facilities, refugee accommodations, and day counseling centers are supplied with food donations from agriculture, production, communal catering, and (wholesale) trade. In total, around 28,000 people affected by poverty are reached through this indirect method.

For many years, Tafel Österreich has been dealing with its own impacts. Since 2022, a companion and research project has also been running in this context with the Competence Center for Nonprofit Organizations. Specifically, a series of workshops is being conducted to develop an impact model focusing on social institutions and people affected by poverty, as well as indicators for measuring social impacts. In this framework, qualitative semi-structured interviews are conducted with representatives of social organizations and with people affected by poverty, analyzing the presumed effects of Tafel Österreich. The goal is to establish an impact-oriented management approach.

Initial results of the research project were presented in a white paper in the form of a short report. Further in-depth evaluations are planned and are expected to culminate in a scientific publication in 2024.

The surveys showed that social institutions benefit indirectly from Tafel Österreich: Many of them would not be able to provide food without the rescued food from Tafel Österreich. Others have a very tight budget for food and can offer a more diverse and healthier selection of meals through Tafel Österreich. This creates trust between staff and clients and fosters a positive atmosphere in the supplied institutions. An invitation to a meal serves as an important icebreaker to engage with people and thus better assist them.

The impact of Tafel Österreich therefore consists not only in providing access to food but also in better connecting people to social institutions and increasing social participation for those affected by poverty.

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