Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001892/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Chloé Ridel (S&D)
Solidarity grocery stores are tackling food insecurity, which affects over 40 % of families in France. In 2024, they helped over 247 000 people (up 63 % compared to 2019). These stores sell basic necessities at reduced prices (between 10 and 30 % of supermarket prices), promoting dignity, independence and social inclusion.
Products offered for free, funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), compete with those being sold. This leads, particularly in more disadvantaged areas, to several issues: recipients feeling like they are receiving handouts, social diversity declining and, above all, a much greater complexity in managing service provision.
However, despite their vital contribution, solidarity grocery stores cannot benefit from EU funding.
- 1.How does the Commission plan to support the solidarity grocery store model, particularly via the ESF+ and its post-2027 successor?
- 2.Does the Commission plan to allow both free products (funded by the ESF+) and paid-for products to be distributed in the same place, so as to avoid the unnecessary multiplication of distribution channels?
- 3.Will the Commission commit to studying these issues with Member States, organisations and experts, for example within the ESF+ communities of practice?
Submitted: 13.5.2025