Mechthild Stemmler, single mother of three children and recipient of Hartz IV, works as a volunteer at the lunch table. During the food distribution for the needy, she collapses unconscious. Mechthild Stemmler dies on the way to the hospital. Cause of death is poisoning. Inspector Charlotte Saenger and Inspector Fritz Dellwo immediately start a campaign to collect the food that has been handed out, since an attack on the lunch table cannot be ruled out. But then they get a tip from the coroner that suggests that Mechthild Stemmler was murdered on purpose. During their investigation, Singer and Dellwo uncover a dark past involving several lunchtime workers.