By Andrew Gibbons
This month, in honor of Mandela Day, Crossing Borders gathered a passionate group of young people committed to fighting food waste and building community.
Our journey started with a big task: collecting and sorting over 20 kilos of surplus food; everything from fruit and vegetables to pastries and bread. Thanks to our friends at Madboks, a local food rescue initiative, we had access to a generous supply of rescued food that would have otherwise gone to waste.
Back at the office, we got to work. With the ingredients spread out, we brainstormed recipes, swapped ideas, and discussed practical ways to reduce waste in the kitchen. Could we freeze the bread and pastries? Use the broccoli stalks instead of tossing them? Cut out the green bits of potatoes and compost what couldn’t be saved? Yes, yes, and yes. Nothing was taken for granted.
Then came Mandela Day itself. Over 11 young volunteers from more than 7 countries joined us for an inspiring and hands-on session. We shared stories about the Edu4Food project and the work of Madboks, then split into cooking groups to bring our meal to life:
- Potato and Leek Soup
- Summer Salad
- Roasted Veggies
- Cut Fruit
- Bread & Pastries
But for us, cooking wasn’t the only goal. Sharing was of equal import. So, we packed everything up, loaded cargo bikes, and made our way to Blågårds Plads, where we served food to anyone who wanted a plate. Some of our volunteers stood on the square talking to those passing by, inviting them to join. The turnout was beautiful. We shared food with over 50 community members from all walks of life, plus our volunteers. Just as we hoped: a plate for anyone who wants one.
This day wasn’t just about food waste or new recipes. It was about joy, connection, and justice. It was about building something bigger than ourselves: one meal, one conversation, one act of care at a time. True to Mandela’s vision, we laughed, danced to South African music, and proved that a simple meal can be a powerful act of peace.
This event was part of the Edu4Food project, co-funded by the European Union, which aims to empower youth through environmental education and community action. For more information, check out our website, and our social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
