Warsaw now hosts roughly 40 public food‑sharing shelves, with residents dropping or taking surplus meals; the city promotes use through the 19115 app and safety rules to curb waste.
How It Works
About 40 public food‑sharing shelves are spread across Warsaw, where residents can leave surplus food for others or take items they need. The city encourages use and reminds people of safe food‑sharing practices.
The city provides the most up‑to‑date locations in the 19115 app and on its municipal map, allowing residents to find a shelf nearby quickly.
What Can Be Shared
Points operate on a “take or leave” basis. You may bring store‑purchased goods that still have intact packaging and a valid expiry date, as well as home‑prepared meals. Household meals must be tightly sealed, with a clear label indicating the dish name, ingredients, and date of preparation.
Many lockers are open 24/7, while others operate during the hours of nearby institutions such as social assistance centers, district offices, community houses, or universities.
Safety and Usage Rules
Only food that is safe for consumption should be left. Spoiled, rotten, or potentially hazardous items are forbidden. Raw meat, foods with raw eggs, unpasteurised milk, alcohol, open cans or jars must not be deposited.
The simple rule is to give only what you would willingly eat yourself in a safe condition.
Campaign and Messaging
The “Warsaw Food‑Sharing” campaign reminds that reducing waste starts with everyday choices. Aldona Machnowska‑Góra, Vice‑President, says the city intends to reach the broadest spectrum of Warsaw residents through social media and public transport displays, emphasising that small gestures can substantially cut food waste.
Expanding the Network
New shelves are added regularly, thanks to district initiatives and the Citizens’ Budget. Some locations also feature dry‑goods lockers alongside the coolers. Local institutions and volunteer food‑sharing groups manage many shelves, keeping order and facilitating information exchange on site.
How to Report Issues
If you notice problems such as spoiled food or a malfunctioning fridge, report it via the 19115 app. Continuous information sharing and cooperation with site custodians improve the service’s reliability and reach.
The Impact on Waste and Food Security
Every product left in a food‑sharing shelf instead of the bin means less waste, lower disposal costs and real help for those lacking food. The city’s campaigns highlight the environmental and social dimensions of sharing food.
