Darmstadt's catering union supports fines for full plates – revenue to benefit employees
In Darmstadt and the surrounding area, more and more restaurants are taking an unusual measure to combat food waste: Anyone who overeats "all-you-can-eat" buffet fine . The Food, Beverage, and Catering Union (NGG) of Darmstadt and Mainz considers this a sensible step – but only under one condition.
"The 'Disciplinary Euro at the Buffet' is an effective way to encourage guests to rethink their approach. But the proceeds shouldn't flow solely into the coffers of the restaurateurs," says Guido Noll , Managing Director of the NGG Darmstadt and Mainz region. Instead, the union advocates for cooks and waiters to also benefit from these revenues – for example, in the form of better wages or additional benefits.
Moderate behavior at the buffet
The NGG (National Food and Nutrition Association) calls on restaurant guests to handle food responsibly . Especially in buffet restaurants , it's common for guests to take large portions, leaving much of them left over. "People's eyes are often bigger than their stomachs," says Noll. "It would be better to take smaller portions and go to the buffet more often."
the introduction of a "buffet fine" could help break this throwaway mentality . Half-empty glasses with flat-rate drinks should also be taken into account. Noll: "Those who leave half a portion of food or drink behind may not think about their behavior until it costs money."
Appeal for more appreciation of food
According to the NGG, many restaurants throw several hundred euros' worth of food every week—both an economic loss and an ethical problem. Therefore, the union demands: "This money can be used more sensibly—for example, for more staff or better pay."
donating part of the “buffet fine” to charitable organizations such as “Bread for the World.”
Responsibility on all sides
"Meat, fish, vegetables – every food is the result of hard work," Noll reminds us. Anyone who serves themselves at a buffet should be aware of this. It's time to develop a new awareness of food and fairness .
(RED/NGG)
Featured image: Plenty to eat: Buffets offer the chance to try everything once. Eating without limits: Filling your plate. But those who don't eat up can expect a fine in some "all-you-can-eat" restaurants. This could now set a precedent: The NGG Darmstadt and Mainz restaurant union sees the "'wasteful penalty' as an effective means of getting rid of throwaway habits." The goal, they say, is to ensure that less food ends up in the food bin in the future. Photo: NGG | Florian Göricke
