According to the Crédoc, The proportion of households affected by food precariousness increased from 12 % to 16 % between July and September 2022 *, A historic leap after an increase of only 3 % between 2016 and 2022. A level of food insecurity that does not appear to be decreasing. By renewing the Observatory every two years, Andean, the National Association of Solidarity Groceries, intends to closely monitor developments in the sector and anticipate the needs of populations experiencing food insecurity.
It is to better understand and promote the model of solidarity grocery stores that this association, which brings together nearly 620 members, publishes the Observatory of solidarity grocery stores 2025. Result of a survey carried out among 285 member structures, this 50-page strategic document highlights data on their operation, their impact and their role in the face of food insecurity and the economic difficulties suffered by their beneficiaries. In five years, the number of solidarity grocery stores in the network increased by 40%, going from 380 structures in 2019 to 619 in 2024. This growth was accompanied by a diversification of grocery store models to better meet the specific expectations of the public. : student grocery stores have doubled,5 (from 22 to 54), while the number of mobile and mixed grocery stores has tripled, respectively from 15 to 43 and from 13 to 37. This development also reflects the enthusiasm of municipalities and associations for this food aid model., which preserves the dignity of beneficiaries by allowing them to choose and pay for their shopping.
Growing economic constraints
Despite a significant drop in food donations and the weight of inflation, solidarity grocery stores manage to maintain a diversified and qualitative offering : 30% of the products offered are fresh fruits and vegetables and 28% proteins and dairy products. Grocery stores are also part of a sustainable dynamic : seven out of ten offer organic products and six out of ten source their products from local producers. However, economic tensions weigh on their functioning : 66% of supplies come from purchases, compared to 34% from donations. This increased dependence on purchases is reinforced by a 29% drop in donations collected from large retailers between 2022 and 2023. In this context, Andès’ six logistics platforms – and their 240 annual back-to-work employees – contribute to the supply of 42% of grocery stores.
Beneficiaries in food and financial insecurity
The beneficiaries of solidarity grocery stores illustrate a social reality marked by precariousness. Nearly 50% of them are under 25 years old, and 37% are employed, in studies or training. However, more than 75% of employed beneficiaries have precarious contracts (CDD, interim, subsidized contracts). With an average daily remainder of life of between 1,20 € et 10 €, the majority of beneficiaries must make drastic financial choices. To meet these needs, grocery stores apply an average financial participation rate of 20%, allowing beneficiaries to purchase their products at a fraction of their market value. Some 70% of structures also encourage their clients to allocate the savings made to personal projects, such as settling debts or sustainably improving their diet.
A dynamic model, but under tension
Despite growing demand and economic constraints, solidarity grocery stores remain dynamic and adaptable. However, nearly 23% of structures report fragility, linked to the rise in prices and the saturation of their reception capacities, while two thirds are already operating at full capacity. The economic model is mainly based on public subsidies, representing 69% of the average grocery store budget, supplemented by 23% self-financing via grocery store sales and 8% from financial donations. Human resources remain a challenge : with 2,4 employees on average per grocery store and strong support from volunteers (17,5 on average per grocery store), structures are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit new volunteers, particularly in landlocked territories.
* Source : The difficulties of precarious households in following public health dietary recommendations (Credoc, summary note no. 41)
THE THREE MODELS OF SOLIDARITY GROCERY STORES
- Student solidarity grocery stores : these structures are mainly managed by volunteers and operate with budgets often lower than the national average.
- Mixed solidarity grocery stores : these grocery stores welcome both beneficiary customers and solidarity customers, thus strengthening social bonds and inclusion. They often have budgets above average, which allows them to develop more ambitious projects.
- Traveling solidarity grocery stores : primarily serving rural or isolated populations, these mobile structures have a budget generally higher than average to meet specific logistical constraints.
