Context
“Les Frigos Solidaires” is an association born from the initiative of Parisian restaurateur Dounia Metboul, inspired by the Berlin model. The first solidarity fridge opened in France in June 2017, in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, in her restaurant “La Cantine 18”.
The association created in 2017 encourages and supports merchants and restaurateurs in the installation of a fridge, located outside their shop and accessible by self-service. In the fridge can thus be placed the unsold goods of the merchant but also donations of the inhabitants of the district.
The principle is simple: the merchant wishing to install a solidarity fridge contacts the association. After having collected the sum necessary to purchase the equipment through the installation of an online kitty, he/she receives the fridge.
Project
Axis 1: Fight against food waste, at the level of individuals, traders and restaurateurs. The initiative saves fruits, vegetables, dairy and dry products from waste every day.
Axis 2: Enabling underprivileged populations to benefit from healthy and easily accessible food. Homeless people, students, retirees and large families are the main beneficiaries of the project.
Axis 3: Recreate social ties within a neighborhood and revitalize public space around the principles of solidarity and sharing.
"The idea is to base ourselves on the Berlin model and put a self-service fridge at a merchant's but outside, within everyone's reach and where everyone can drop off or take food for free and when he/she wants wish."
Project leaders and evolution
“Les Frigos Solidaires” project is led by Dounia Metboul. It is supported in its approach by “Identités Mutuelles”, an insurance company. The initiative was relayed by social networks and the concept has spread throughout France, in cities like Grenoble, Lille, Marseille and Tarbes. The establishment of solidarity fridges is made possible thanks to the proliferation of merchants and restaurateurs who became partners, and contributors.
Written by Perrine Judenne, LFC volunteer - December 2018
Last modification : 22 Jul 2020.
Les Frigos Solidaires
The association created in 2017 encourages and supports merchants and restaurateurs in the installation of a fridge, located outside their shop and accessible by self-service. In the fridge can thus be placed the unsold goods of the merchant but also donations of the inhabitants of the district.