Delhaize has teamed up with a local food bank in Charleroi to distribute unsold food to people in need.
Each day after 5pm, groceries are distributed from Delhaize Marcinelle to the food bank, including fresh produce with a quick turnaround such as meat and fish, unsold fresh frozen bread and dry goods nearing their 'best before' date.
The Food Bank stores the Delhaize goods in its warehouse and then distributes them amongst those in need directly from there or through its social restaurants.
"Unsold food is a godsend for us, because gifts are our main source of supply," said Jean-Claude Breuse of the local food bank. "Thanks to Delhaize, we can give dozens of families the chance of a varied quality diet with fish, meat and fresh vegetables; food which rarely comes to those people's tables."
18 Delhaize-branded supermarkets in Belgium and 30 independent stores owned by the retailer are now working in partnership with a food bank.
© 2013 - ESM: European Supermarket Magazine by Ellen Lunney
