Pacte Belgium - Carrefour Foundation

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Belgium : Collection and distribution of products by PACTE

The PACTE les Capucines welfare grocery shop is located in the working-class district of Marolles, below the Palais de Justice in Brussels. Opened in 2003, PACTE aims to fight poverty by strengthening social inclusion based on a food aid and training programme.

The Foundation funds the opening of welfare grocery stores, helping to refurbish buildings and store equipment. At the same time, the operation of these stores is ensured by local sponsors, who provide material and logistical aid.
The Les Capucines grocery enables 250 disadvantaged families in the centre of Brussels to stock up with groceries. These families are entitled to CPAS, the Belgian equivalent to Social Security payments. They are given a card that grants them access to the mini-market.
PACTE also offers young people the opportunity to get retail training and subsequently to work as students within GB and Carrefour stores.
GB and Carrefour supply the equipment required to operate one of these grocery stores (aisle-end displays, refrigerators, display stands etc.). Food products that illustrate principles featured in promotional leaflets are regularly made available. The same applies to samples processed by the central purchasing office (textiles, general merchandise, toys etc.) The products put on sale in welfare grocery shops come from broken case-lots in warehouses.
The price of products is 80% lower than retail prices in 561 BG and Carrefour stores in Belgium.
The opening of the welfare grocery shop in les Capucines was followed by others in Mons, Nivelles, Anvers and Malines. More than 1,000 families now shop at welfare stores.
For Carrefour, this programme represents a significant means of helping people who need it, while sharing the Group’s experience as a retailer with those who manage the welfare grocery stores.