In June, Colruyt Group is encouraging customers to support local communities that rely on Food Banks. By inviting customers to pay €2 for their shopping cart — an amount donated directly to the Food Banks — the supermarket chain is stepping up its commitment to the 70,000 families who rely on food aid each month. This financial boost comes in addition to the 9,160 tonnes of unsold products that Colruyt Group donated last year to nearly 210,000 Belgians in vulnerable situations.
Shopping cart fee goes entirely to Food Banks
For the second year in a row, Colruyt Group is encouraging customers to pay €2 for their cart in support of the Food Banks. This year, the campaign is being expanded. Customers can now support the Food Banks not only at Colruyt Lowest Prices, Collect&Go, Okay, and Bio-Planet, but also in Spar Colruyt Group stores. Thanks to their donations in Colruyt Group stores across Belgium, customers play an important role in supporting local communities.
Minimal food waste, yet the largest donor of food
Colruyt Group is a top performer when it comes to reducing food waste. Nevertheless, among all retailers, it also provides the largest volume of food donations to the Food Banks: in 2024, it donated 9,160 tonnes of food — equivalent to 18.32 million meals.
Anne Verdoolaege, responsible for partnerships with the Food Banks at Colruyt Group, explains: "We sell more than 97% of fresh and frozen products in our stores. Unfortunately, reducing the number of unsold items to zero is not realistic. Within our sector, we stand out by giving the best possible second life to these surpluses. That’s why we’ve chosen to work closely with the Food Banks for the past 10 years. All Colruyt Group stores and distribution centres, both directly and indirectly, collaborate with more than 400 social organisations, ensuring that the products reach those who need them most."
A gift for 210,000 people in need
Anne Verdoolaege also stresses the importance of financial donations: "By encouraging our customers to donate €2, we’re giving the Food Banks a significant additional boost. For clarity: the shopping trolleys remain free to use, but a donation to the Food Banks is greatly appreciated. These financial contributions from Colruyt Group customers complement our daily food donations. Local organisations are largely dependent on us for the fresh products they collect."
Marc Mertens, CEO of the Belgian Federation of Food Banks, explains how last year’s donations were used: "More and more people rely on the Food Banks. Compared to the period before the COVID pandemic, we’re now helping 50% more people. The need has increased dramatically. Thanks to the funds raised by Colruyt Group, we’re able to purchase additional food at favourable prices, allowing us to offer a balanced supply of nutritious food. The products we buy vary depending on the needs at the time. We’re extremely grateful to Colruyt Group for enabling us to collect these additional financial resources."
