Winner 55th Prix Schappo 2025 - Reto Schlegel from Tischlein Deck Dich

About Neighbourhood News:  Neighbourhood News is a weekly, English-language, digital newsletter that delivers daily news from Basel, Switzerland. It covers a wide range of topics, including politics, arts, culture, mobility, health, travel, and more. The newsletter aims to provide readers with news that impacts their daily lives. Beyond news delivery, Neighbourhood News also functions as a news network and content creation media house. It collaborates with local publications, print neighbourhood newspapers and magazines, and websites to bring its readers verified and authentic news. The newsletter is designed to be quick and easy to read, allowing readers to catch up on the week that was and plan for the week ahead. Every Thursday at 10 a.m., Neighbourhood News is delivered straight to your inbox, providing you with the news you need to stay informed and make informed decisions for the week ahead. Neighbourhood News's mission is to eliminate language barriers and facilitate connections between readers as human beings, coexisting in the beautiful city of Basel. It aspires to be a bridge between so many beautiful islands that exist in Basel, bringing people, cultures, and stories closer than before. Stay updated with more conversations from in and around Switzerland.  Subscribe to Neighbourhood News   About Tischlein Deck Dich: The refrigerated vehicles arrive punctually in front of the St. Matthew Church. More than ten volunteers are ready to receive the rescued food and begin the preparatory work: the careful triage, control and compilation of food that would otherwise have ended up in the waste. The men and women in striking red aprons have two hours to prepare the weekly food delivery to people in need. There is no question of routine. Depending on the season, the "menu" changes: vegetables, fruits, drinks, pasta or even unknown, vegan ready meals find the way to "Tischlein deck dich". What was collected in product donations is distributed. Important to know: all products are flawless and enjoyable despite the partially expired sales date - even chilled or frozen foods. Compliance with an unreserved cold chain is meticulously checked. If you want to buy food, you pay a symbolic amount of one franc for each purchase and need a customer card. This is issued by selected social services and handed over to persons entitled to benefit. In Basel, "Tischlein deck dich" supports around 950 people with food help every week. Kasim*, retired and widowed, lives on the subsistence minimum: "Everything very well. Very good. Thank you. Thank you.» From his words you can feel how valuable this service is. A Swiss couple, less than 40 years old and with IV status, do not want to be named: "The relief is enormous, even if this course is not always easy." The fact that this offer saves 160 tons of food every year in the city of Basel alone proves that ecological action and social commitment - hand-in-hand - can have an effect. *Name changed by the editor. About Prix Schappo: The Prix schappo is awarded twice a year to associations or groups that stand up for other people and work with extraordinary voluntary commitment to promote the quality of life in Basel.   "Tischlein deck dich" stands for lived commitment in everyday life Where food is available in excess and is missing elsewhere, the aid organization offers a solution. "Tischlein deck dich" saves food from disposal and brings it to those who need support - to single mothers, chronically ill, the elderly or the unemployed and migrants. With heart, efficiency and humanity, volunteers in Basel distribute more than 160 tons of food to people in need every year. An offer that convinces and shows how more mindfulness and ecological action leads to greater solidarity and concrete support for those affected by poverty. The use of 105 volunteers for a "covered" table of people affected by poverty and for less food waste deserves great respect. We say thank you with conviction and recognize the valuable commitment to our society and to a more sustainable environment with the Prix schappo. Daniel Brunner, member of the schappo expert commission.   [Text and Image Copyright - Basel Stadt]