Cologne ·
CompletedGymnasium Müngersdorf
Our biggest campaign so far. Gymnasium Müngersdorf in Cologne collected donations, every single one was checked on counting day, and everything was handed over to the food bank.
School food drives for the Tafel food banks
One school. One week. One full van.
One week of collecting, and families in your town have more on the table. We plan the campaign with you, check every donation and hand everything over to the local Tafel, Germany's network of food banks.
2 campaigns in Cologne and Bonn since 2024.
Also for businesses, members and press.
Connect Collect Change
Why we exist
Food banks need more than they get.
- 1.6 million
- people in Germany receive food from the Tafel food banks.
- Source: Tafel Deutschland e.V.
- 265,000 t
- of food are handed out by the Tafel food banks in Germany every year.
- Source: Tafel Deutschland e.V.
- 1 in 3
- food banks sometimes have to turn people away because there are not enough donations.
Our principle
-
Connect
in the assembly hall
We make the issue visible and bring whole schools on board.
-
Collect
for one week
Attention turns into action. Taking part is as easy as bringing a pack of pasta.
-
Change
at the food bank
What we collect together actually arrives. Small contributions from many people make a real difference.
How a campaign works
From the assembly hall to the food bank.
- 1
The week before
Pitch in the assembly hall
The head teacher introduces the campaign and we show a short video. That way every class knows what it is about.
- 2
7 days
One week of collecting
Students bring non-perishable food and hygiene products. Everything is collected right at the school.
- 3
Counting day
Checking every donation
We count everything and look at every single item: is it unopened and still good? Last time this took about six hours.
- 4
Handover
The food bank picks it up
First we take photos with the classes. Then the Tafel collects the crates and distributes the food.
Our story
It started as a school project.
What began as a project by two students in year 10 is now becoming an association, with campaigns in Bonn and Cologne.
Press · General-Anzeiger Bonn “Schülerinnen starten Spendenaktion für die Bonner Tafel” Read the article (in German)-
Nov 2023
The idea
Sophie and Pia start Jam The Van as a school project in year 10.
-
Mar 2024
First campaign
Bonn International School. The local newspaper General-Anzeiger reports on it.
-
Dec 2024
Biggest campaign so far
Gymnasium Müngersdorf in Cologne.
-
Sep 2026
The team grows
First calls as a team of four: Sophie, Pia, Joshua and Leonard plan how to turn the school project into an association.
Pictures
This is what a full week looks like.
Reports and dates
Our campaigns.
-
-
Bonn ·
CompletedBonn International School
The first Jam The Van campaign. Bonn International School collected food for the Bonner Tafel, the local food bank. The General-Anzeiger reported on it.
Who is behind it
The team.
-
Sophie Kitching
Co-founder · Cologne
“I want to use my energy to make a difference and to get other people to change things themselves.”
-
Pia Liesegang
Co-founder · Groningen
“My goal is to connect people and inspire them to work towards a shared goal.”
-
Joshua Klinghammer
Research & partners
“No one should have to worry about whether there will be enough food at the end of the month. That is what I am working for.”
-
Leonard Hoppe
Website & digital
“I believe everyone should focus on the good in life and pass it on to others.”
Get involved
Lend a hand.
For schools
Bring the campaign to your school
You need one week, a room for collecting and one hour in the assembly hall. We plan the rest with you.
For businesses
Become a partner
Supermarket, bakery or local business: with crates, a drive to the food bank or a prize for a class, you help us run more campaigns.
For students
Bring JTV to your school
Start with the starter kit: the steps, an email to your head teacher and a short info sheet for teachers. Want to help in another way? Write to us.
For everyone
Become a member
Jam The Van is currently being founded as an association. For €20 a year you help carry it, and from 18 you also get a vote at the general meeting.