CMA CGM Foundation, the charitable arm of French logistics company CMA CGM, has opened Solidarity Warehouse in Marseille as a logistical hub helping to feed thousands daily.

The warehouse, which is located at the head office of CMA CGM, includes 5,000 sqm of storage space, capacity for 3,200 T of food and will supply 330 meal distribution centres in Marseille and the Bouches-du-Rhône area.

CMA CGM Foundation states that by pooling logistics resources, the initiative will increase efficiency and reduce costs for the five organisations using the space. These organisations are: associations Restos du Cœur, French Red Cross, Secours Populaire, ANDES, and Secours Catholique.

There is an additional 500 sqm of office space at the location which is also being utilised as the local headquarters of Restos du Cœur and the French Red Cross. 

CMA CGM’s logistics experience is leveraged to help optimise storage conditions, enhance volunteer working conditions and streamline food aid distribution.

The Foundation will cover 50% of the annual operating costs of Solidarity Warehouse with government contributing 30% and partner organisations the remaining 20%.

Tanya Saadé Zeenny, president of the CMA CGM Foundation says: "The CMA CGM Foundation has been working with French food aid organisations for several years”.

“These organisations are currently facing an increase in demand and a lack of resources, particularly for the storage, transport and distribution of food. We decided to go further and mobilise the resources and strength of the CMA CGM Foundation to create the largest multi-association warehouse in France, located in the heart of Marseille. 

“It took two years of work and collaboration with the associations to start from scratch, to understand the scale of the needs and to act effectively.”