In a move that addresses both environmental sustainability and social impact, Majid Al Futtaim Retail, operator of Carrefour in Kenya, has formalized a partnership with Food Banking Kenya (FBK) to redistribute surplus edible food to communities facing food insecurity.
The Memorandum of Understanding signed between the retail giant and FBK, a member of the Global Food Banking Network, establishes a structured system for collecting and distributing food that would otherwise go to waste, while maintaining strict food safety standards throughout the supply chain.
A Business Model for Sustainable Impact
The partnership represents a practical approach to two pressing challenges: reducing the environmental impact of food waste while addressing Kenya’s food security gaps. Under the agreement, surplus baked goods will be collected and distributed daily, while dry groceries including rice, cereals, and lentils will reach verified charitable organizations within four days of identification.
The initiative is projected to redistribute approximately 20 tonnes of surplus food annually, providing nutrition support to thousands of families while reducing the carbon footprint associated with food waste disposal.
Operational Framework
The retail partnership model assigns clear responsibilities to each party. Carrefour Kenya will identify surplus products meeting stringent safety standards across its nationwide store network, while Food Banking Kenya manages the logistics of collection, sorting, and redistribution through its network of accredited charitable organizations.
This division of labor leverages each organization’s core competencies – Carrefour’s retail operations and quality control systems, and FBK’s established distribution network and verification processes for recipient organizations.
Christophe Orcet, Regional Director – East Africa, Majid Al Futtaim Retail, commented: “This partnership underscores Majid Al Futtaim’s commitment to responsible retail and to creating a positive impact in the communities we serve. We know that for various reasons, food often goes to waste – yet much of it can be redistributed and repurposed to support those in need. By transforming surplus into support, we are reducing waste while strengthening Kenya’s food security. This initiative also reflects Majid Al Futtaim’s broader commitment to advancing food security across the region and demonstrates how private-sector collaboration can deliver sustainable, lasting impact.”
Addressing Food Security Through Private Sector Collaboration
The partnership comes at a critical time when Kenya, like many countries in the region, faces persistent food security challenges. By creating an efficient channel for surplus food redistribution, the initiative demonstrates how private sector resources can be mobilized to address social needs without compromising business operations or food safety standards.
The model also provides transparency and accountability, with FBK’s accreditation system ensuring that food reaches legitimate charitable organizations serving vulnerable populations.
John Gathungu, Executive Director, Food Banking Kenya, added: “Partnering with Carrefour in Kenya expands our reach to ensure safe, nutritious food reaches the most vulnerable communities. This collaboration proves that surplus can nourish communities in need, showing how responsible retailing delivers real impact.”
Broader Sustainability Commitments
The food redistribution initiative aligns with Majid Al Futtaim’s stated commitment to sustainable retail practices and community impact. The company already sources 99 percent of its products locally in Kenya, supporting local economies, producers, and suppliers.
The partnership establishes a replicable model that could be scaled across Majid Al Futtaim Retail’s network of over 390 Carrefour stores across 12 markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, potentially multiplying the social and environmental impact.
