Pick up around 1500 bottles of beer and radler for free – and only pay the deposit: With an unusual campaign, the food rescue in Vienna-Floridsdorf drew attention to their work. Since 2015, the association has been saving food from destruction and passing on surplus goods for free.

As reported by „Heute“ on October 15, 2026, around 1500 bottles were ready for collection at the headquarters on Prager Straße 142. No money was required for the drinks themselves. Only the deposit for bottles and possibly crates had to be paid.

The food rescue is located at Prager Straße 142 in the 21st district of Vienna. Interested parties had the opportunity to pick up surplus food there between eight and 4:30 PM. However, shortly before 10:00 AM, the association announced on Instagram that the campaign had to be ended as there was no more beer available.

The collection doesn’t work entirely without money. A deposit was required for the reusable packaging, namely 27 cents per bottle and three euros per crate. For 20 bottles, this results in a bottle deposit of 5.40 euros. If a crate was also needed, the total deposit was 8.40 euros.

Additionally, visitors could voluntarily donate to the association’s work.

Behind the action is an organization that has been fighting against food waste for more than ten years. Since 2015, they have been taking over food that would otherwise possibly be disposed of.

A large portion of the rescued goods is passed on to social markets. Surplus quantities can be picked up directly from the association by those interested. The work is mainly carried out by volunteers. Volunteers handle the collection, storage, and distribution of the food. According to the association, they do not receive any payment for this.

The activity is financed, among other things, through donations.

The food rescue regularly receives exceptionally large quantities of goods, including 20 tons of sauerkraut or 1500 kilograms of ketchup.

Such deliveries sometimes arrive at short notice. Therefore, the association must quickly find recipients so that the food can be passed on in time. For this purpose, the organization particularly uses social networks.

Through Instagram, they inform about which goods are currently available and when they can be picked up.

Not every food item that is removed from regular sale is automatically spoiled. According to food rescue organizations, the products they take over often come from overproduction or have cosmetic defects.

An approaching best-before date can also lead to goods no longer being sold regularly. However, the best-before date does not automatically mean that a product is inedible after that.

When passing on food, the respective storage conditions and food safety must still be considered.

In addition to Instagram, the organization is now relying on its own digital solution. The so-called „Rescue App“ is intended to connect people who want to offer or pick up surplus food for free.

According to the association, more than 1000 people are already using the application. The principle is reminiscent of well-known platforms for rescuing surplus food, but it is deliberately designed to operate without a commercial business model.

While other providers charge money for mediation or the food itself, the food rescue organization wants to create a free alternative. In principle, users should be able to both offer food and take over goods themselves.

(Ed.)

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