Epi’mobile – From cooperation between four rural towns to a new service for disadvantaged people

By project SHARING

Published on 09 December 2024

France

Bretagne

PLOEUC-L'HERMITAGE

About this good practice

Because we all share one territory, the municipalities often meet to talk about the big challenges faced by the public services. For several months, several municipalities of Côtes-d'Armor department have met to discuss a worrying fact : the lack of food aid, in rural areas. During 2023, four municipalities (Plœuc-L’Hermitage, Gausson, Plémy and Hénon) have decided to work together to propose some solutions. At the end of 2023, following cooperation conventions, and motivated by the desire to make food aid more accessible to all, these municipalities decided to implement an innovative solution : creating a social grocery store. The idea of the project was constructed collectively between the municipalities. At the beginning of 2024, the idea of the project was born and a project manager was hired.
A truck and trailer drives to each municipality once every 15 days, stopping in spaces provided by the municipalities to create a pop-up grocery store. Beneficiaries, who are low-income citizens, come to the Epi'mobile in order to buy at very low prices the products they need. A coffee corner is set up to promote social ties.
Presently, the Epi’mobile is running in 4 municipalities, but the aim is to develop the service to other neighbouring municipalities, increasing the number of beneficiaries and allowing for a flexible response to local needs. Several municipalities have requested a presentation of the Epi'mobile services and are planning to join the project.

Resources needed

Around 82,000 € in the first year for layout, staff costs, transportation, inventory, communication, management tools and food expenses.
A project manager was hired to develop the project, assisted by 30 volunteers for logistics, animation and welcoming the public.

Evidence of success

This practice is considered a good practice because it ensures regular access to affordable food for people in need, with measurable impact. In 4 months, attendance increased by 50%, reducing food insecurity among beneficiaries. In addition, the satisfaction rate exceeds 90%, proving the effectiveness and relevance of the model. The involvement of municipalities and volunteers has also strengthened social cohesion.

Potential for learning or transfer

This practice could be of interest to other regions due to its flexibility and adaptability to local needs. Key success factors include cooperation with municipalities, volunteer engagement and the ability to mobilize local resources. Its logistic simplicity allows a quick implementation in various geographical areas. This initiative is a good example of public – private and civil collaboration for the benefit of disadvantaged citizens. It ensures access to foods for vulnerable persons, decreasing food waste and increasing citizen’s trust in local governments. However, potential barriers like the diversity of local contexts, which require adaptation of partnerships and resources, and the variable availability of venues and volunteers should also be considered for this project to be successfully implemented in other areas.