Dorian Oulaidi ran a small local grocery store in downtown Montpellier. Four years after it opened, it had to shut down in July. The trader had installed a refrigerator, in partnership with the association Les Frigos solidairesin front of his shop to help the poorest. The principle was simple: everyone could bring or help themselves to food for free, which was self-service all day long. The idea is to share as much as possible while avoiding food waste.
The problem is that the fridge must have disappeared with the shop, and Dorian Oulaidi is urgently looking for a buyer: a business, or an association, who is willing to welcome this fridge. “I’m sad and a little annoyed, regret Dorian Oulaidi. People count on it. I approached a lot of merchants, who either don’t have the time – when it takes maybe five minutes a day – or it’s annoying to wear something…”
I approached a lot of merchants, who either don’t have the time – when it takes maybe five minutes a day – or it’s annoying to wear something…
Dorian Oulaidi deplores the lack of commitment from neighborhood merchants. “Everyone was very happy when it wasn’t in front of their house, but on the other hand when it comes to getting a little wet, it’s more complicated, so it’s annoying.”
Especially since the solidarity fridge was of service to many poor people. Shopkeepers and residents of the neighborhood sometimes also brought food. “I had a lot of retired mothers who used it there, their children didn’t even know it. It’s people who are still ashamed to line up for popular aid.”, says the trader. “Vegetables fed at least 10 people [par jour] I think. It was going really well.“
It’s people who are ashamed to line up for popular aid
Dorian Oulaidi does not lose hope: “_I think there are plenty of people who will do this with a good heart_.“The idea, simply: install the fridge in front of your business or restaurant during your opening hours.
If you are interested, do not hesitate to contact the association Les Frigos solidaires on Facebook and instagramor at [email protected]