Sustainability Impact Assessment of Operation Food Freedom Overvecht by CULTIVATE

We are really happy and proud to share Trinity College Dublin’s Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) of the Operation Food Freedom Overvecht hub! Trinity College Dublin is project partner in the CULTIVATE-project.

The ‘Sharing Solutions’ research team, consisting of Jennifer Lyons, Daisy Gallagher and Anna Davies, captured the social, environmental, and economic impact of Operation Food Freedom’s food sourcing, waste prevention, and community development efforts, and highlighted the difference Operation Food Freedom is making in the community. 

Their conclusion: “Operation Food Freedom is already deeply involved in supporting sustainability practices, particularly in terms of expanding access to nutritious, local food, as well as in terms of the box scheme business model and the residual food redistribution processes which makes a clear impact on reducing food waste. Strong relationships with local farmers and food rescue partners support these innovative ways to reduce surplus. The volunteer model means Operation Food Freedom creates significant social impact in the local community. However, there are ongoing challenges related to fluctuating demand, recruitment of volunteers to establish new hubs, and the precarious tenure of existing hubs. Communication efforts and external backing, such as municipal support and continued involvement in sustainability networks, are essential for the future sustainability of Operation Food Freedom. Expanding sustainability impact reporting will help to monitor and track impacts over time and in relation to goals.“

The report provides a snapshot of the key achievements, with a focus on food waste reduction impacts (in partnership with InstockMarket), with very helpful recommendations for how this valuable work would fit even better into the bigger picture.

For the weekly issuance of vegetables and fruit, Mark works together with a dedicated group of care clients from Reinaerde Grote Trekdreef and since early May 2025 Mark has been able to gradually add vegetables to the OFF-bag from his community garden De Gagelgaard.

As of May 7 2025, Operation Food Freedom Overvecht is located at Steck, Gageldijk 3, Utrecht.