Problem addressed
Les Robin.e.s des Bennes was founded in Amiens, where more than 36,000 residents are living in precarious circumstances. In the Hauts-de-France region, 15.5 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line.
Faced with difficulties in accessing food and clothing, even as many goods and foodstuffs are thrown away, the Robin.e.s des Bennes offer practical solutions to make better use of these resources and meet the basic needs of the most vulnerable members of society.
Innovative solution
Les Robin.e.s des Bennes are working to reduce waste through community initiatives that are free and open to everyone.
Their model, which is based on the principles of the circular economy, has three main components:
In practical terms, they organise solidarity-based food harvesting, food distributions, soup parties, ‘freeperies’ (free second-hand clothes shops), sewing workshops and plant donations. These initiatives directly involve beneficiaries in the fight against waste and precarious living conditions.
Key results and benefits
According to an impact study carried out in 2023, for every euro invested in the charity, 4.30 euros of social, environmental and economic value will be generated in the local area.
To date, more than 44 tonnes of food, 17 tonnes of textiles and 9 kilograms of plants have been recovered and redistributed free of charge. 82 % of beneficiaries say they have gained purchasing power thanks to these solidarity-based, anti-waste initiatives, and 90 % say that their mindset has changed as a result of their involvement with the association.
Potential for mainstreaming
Robin.e.s des bennes is a laureate of the 2025–2026 cohort of the P'INS scale-up support programme, jointly run by Fondation Macif and Avise.
