Fondalim
About this good practice
Fondalim is an endowment fund that gathers together 500 associations and food banks, 200 agrifood companies and 280 agri co-operatives in Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur region. Fondalim has been set up by 5 departmental Food Banks, by COOP de France Alpes Méditerranée, and by the Regional Federation of agrifood industries.
The refocussing of European food aid led food banks to update their business model. They have created a regional network in which they encourage agro-food cooperatives and companies to donate through an online platform. These companies provide food either because of an excess supply of fresh fruit and vegetables (mainly cauliflowers, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, apples) or because they engage in corporate social responsibility.
Fondalim does not purchase anything but receives offers for food donation. Through an easy to use online platform, agrifood companies describe the items and quantities to be donated. Digitisation of food donation at regional level is a facility that makes the difference in terms of time when management of food donation requires a smart logistic system to deliver fresh food with very little delay to food banks.
In addition to providing services and advising food banks and food industries Fondalim is developing a similar scheme for developing the management of bio-waste at local and regional levels with new circular economy-based business models.
Expert opinion
The practice is an excellent example of a food donation scheme set up at regional level by adopting digital solutions. The overall model of engaging food banks, food industries and other stakeholders in this scheme can serve a good example for other regions aiming to address food waste. An essential feature of the practice, that can serve as an inspiration, is the user-friendly online platform that industries and agri-food cooperatives can use for food donation. A similar scheme for the management of bio-waste at local and regional level with new circular economy-based business models that is being developed can also be found useful. Finally, the practice is in line with the recently adopted EU Farm to Fork Strategy that aims to address food loss and waste prevention. As part of the Circular Economy Action Plan, the European Commission has adopted EU food donation guidelines in order to facilitate the recovery and redistribution of safe, edible food to those in need.
Resources needed
Volunteers, coordination, logistic skills, software
Evidence of success
• 400 tonnes of donated food
• 60% tax exemption for companies donating food
• On-line platform set up with the support from the energy agency and the French government
Potential for learning or transfer
The ECOWASTE4FOOD’ cross-visits have demonstrated the need of further learning of the various food surplus’ recovery and donation schemes across Europe. There’s a potential for cross-pollination and for transferring good practices between food donation stakeholders.
FONDALIM presents a way to federate professionals from the food chain around the objective of food donation and food waste reduction. In that sens this initiative could be a source of inspiration for regional authorities who intend to promote with their local stakeholders strategies to fight against food waste.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Fondalim (NGO)