Rising rents threaten Dutch food banks as demand surges
Food banks in the Netherlands are facing financial strain as the number of people relying on them keeps rising and rent prices surging. In 2025, approximately 155,600 people used food banks, up 7.5 percent from the previous year. The demographic of clients is also shifting, with more employed workers, self-employed individuals, and retirees without supplementary pensions seeking assistance, according to Voedselbanken Nederland.
In Amsterdam-Oost, Stichting Tweede Kans, a small, independent food bank, faces closure because its current building is scheduled for demolition and no new affordable location has been found. The organization also runs a thrift store next door, which helps cover operating costs and fund food packages.
"We have contacted many real estate agents and sent emails, but affordable spaces are scarce," said spokesperson Fatima. "Some buildings cost 10,000 euros per month. As a volunteer organization, we simply cannot pay that."
Mo Taki, the founder of Stichting Tweede Kans, told AT5 that the search for a new space has been difficult. "We have approached real estate agents. We have visited buildings for rent. But that is just not affordable. Ten thousand euros per month. Now we are asking the municipality if they can help us find a location nearby," he said.
Clients fear the closure would leave them without essential support. "If this closes, I won’t make ends meet," one client said. "I really can’t get by. And when I take a package here, I try to share it with people in the neighborhood." Another added, "You don’t have enough left, so this is a way to relieve a little, in case you think: I have no more food."
