The first semester's report for the food surplus collection initiative, led by Biocycle at the Tourelle market in Saint-Mandé, is very positive. The association uses electric cargo bikes to collect unsold goods from partner businesses.
Founded in 2015, Biocycle aims to provide food aid to those in need, promote the professional integration of young people as cargo bike couriers, and prevent food waste. The initiative is financially supported by Paris Est Marne & Bois (PEMB) and partner cities, including Saint-Mandé.
Collected food is distributed to local associations such as Entraide & Partage and La Chorba, benefiting residents of Val-de-Marne facing severe hardship. "The proceeds of the collection are given to local associations [...] and offered to Val-de-Marnais in great precarity," explains Tristan Péna, operational coordinator for Biocycle.
The success of these collections is attributed to the generosity of the businesses and the support of the City of Saint-Mandé and the Territoire Paris Est Marne & Bois. "Thanks to the generosity of the businesses, the support of the City of Saint-Mandé and the Paris Est Marne & Bois Territory, Biocycle carries out its solidarity last-mile mission all year round in response to the growing needs of associations and beneficiaries of food aid," states Jean-François Recco, director of Biocycle.
Since March 2024, PEMB has managed the Alouette and Tourelle markets, organizing events. The awareness workshop "VéloMixeur Smoothies Antigaspi" with Biocycle is part of this. Last year, 45 drinks were distributed thanks to 6.1 kg of fruits saved from waste.
Between January 1 and June 30, 2026, collections totaled 1647.9 kg, including 333.7 kg of fruits, 1313 kg of vegetables, 1.2 kg of aromatics, bread, and processed dishes, and 180.8 kg of sorted organic waste. This represents 2747 equivalent meals.
A further event will take place on Sunday, November 29 from 10 am to 1 pm at the Tourelle market, Place Gallieni. Businesses interested in the program can send their application to marneboismarkets@pemb.fr. More information is available on the Paris Est Marne & Bois website.
