The 79 Food Banks are non-profit humanitarian organizations. They are non-governmental, and have no political or religious affiliations. The Federation to which they belong is a charitable organization, which coordinates the Food Banks' activities, pilots their network and acts as their representative vis-à-vis the public authorities and national partners.

The Food Banks collect, manage and share foodstuffs to help people feed themselves. Their activities are founded on the principles of free food, the fight against waste, donations, sharing, volunteerism and sponsorship.

The history of the Food Banks

In 1984, an increase in the poverty level led several charitable organizations to band together to create the first French Food Bank; it was based in Paris and modelled after American food banks. Today, regional and departmental Food Banks serve almost the entire territory of France. Based on the same principle, Food Banks have appeared in more than twelve European countries, under the aegis of national federations. These federations are themselves united under FEBA, the Fédération Européenne des Banques Alimentaires .