Food insecurity is a pressing issue in Côte d'Ivoire, with 2.7 million people threatened by it. In response, the country's food bank, Banque Alimentaire, has initiated its sixth national food collection drive. The campaign, which started on November 6, 2026, aims to collect 30 tonnes of food products over three days in six cities across the country, including Abidjan, Bouaké, and Yamoussoukro.
The food bank's initiative seeks to support vulnerable populations and combat food waste. Banque Alimentaire's model involves collecting food from industries, large distributors, and individuals, then redistributing it through a network of associations and community centers. Since its inception, the organization has collected over 1,000 tonnes of food and supported approximately 350,000 people in collaboration with 60 partner associations and centers.
The urgency of this mobilization is emphasized by Damien Guessennd, Public Affairs Administrator at Banque Alimentaire. He stresses that the issue goes beyond mere food distribution, as it also involves recovering surplus food that might otherwise be destroyed or lost. This surplus food can meet the needs of many families, highlighting the need for a collective response from institutions, businesses, associations, and citizens.
To achieve its goal, Banque Alimentaire has partnered with 44 stores, companies, schools, and hundreds of volunteers to encourage donations. CFAO Consumer, through its Carrefour and Supéco brands, has been particularly supportive. Guy Marc Obrou, Director of Carrefour Marcory, noted that even small acts of solidarity can significantly improve the lives of many people.
The collaboration between Banque Alimentaire and its partners has a significant environmental impact by reducing food waste. Recovering consumable food products helps limit losses and waste. The organization has also received support from the Japanese Embassy, which provided a cold storage room for receiving and preserving fruits and vegetables.
Other organizations, such as the Fondation Euimeria, have also benefited from Banque Alimentaire's efforts. Dollo Ignace, Coordinator of the NGO Euimeria, highlighted the importance of this partnership, which allows children from disadvantaged backgrounds to access food they might not otherwise have.
Banque Alimentaire aims to strengthen its collaborations with distributors by establishing more regular donations, expanding collections to other stores, and increasing employee involvement in volunteer activities. The organization invites the public to contribute to this national effort by donating food products at various collection points until November 8, 2026.
Key points
- 2.7 million people in Côte d'Ivoire are threatened by food insecurity.
- Banque Alimentaire aims to collect 30 tonnes of food products in its sixth national food collection drive.
- The organization has collected over 1,000 tonnes of food and supported approximately 350,000 people since its inception.
