Colruyt introduces optional trolley charge to raise money for food banks

Belgian supermarket chain Colruyt will invite customers to donate €2 to use a shopping trolley in June as part of a fundraising campaign for food banks.

The donation is optional and the full amount will be given to local organisations affiliated with food banks. Shoppers can scan a barcode on the trolley using a self-scanner, or opt to have the barcode scanned at the till to automatically add €2 to their bill.

Colruyt Group said the campaign – now in its second year – is aimed at making an extra effort for the 70,000 families who rely on food banks every month.

“This is much-needed income on top of the 9,160 tonnes of unsold products that Colruyt Group donated last year to almost 210,000 Belgians in vulnerable situations,” the company said.

The campaign runs from 4 June to 1 July and is being expanded to Collect&Go, Okay, Bio-Planet and Spar stores.

“Thanks to their donations via Colruyt Group stores throughout Belgium, customers play an important role in supporting local communities,” Colruyt said.

The initiative fits into a broader campaign to cut down on food waste.

“While we sell more than 97% of the fresh and frozen products in our stores, unfortunately, reducing the number of unsold products to zero is not realistic,” said Anne Verdoolaege, responsible for the collaboration with the food banks at Colruyt Group.

“Within our sector, we stand out for giving these surpluses the best possible reuse. That’s why we have been working fruitfully with the food banks for 10 years.

"All Colruyt Group stores and distribution centres work directly and indirectly with more than 400 social organisations, so we can be sure that the products go to those who need them most."