Our corporate societal commitment

Our definition of societal commitment

Societal commitment refers to an organisation's ability to have a positive impact on society beyond its direct economic activity. It takes the form of concrete actions: support for local development, reduction of inequalities, education, health, culture, ecological transition, etc.

At Upcoop, we consider societal commitment to be one of the pillars of our CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) approach. It complements our commitments in the areas of governance, social issues, the economy and the environment.

Our vision? To ensure that every solution, every project and every partnership supported by Upcoop contributes to empowering individuals and territories, i.e.:

• providing access to healthier and more sustainable food for all,
• supporting local associations and initiatives,
• promoting culture and inclusion,
• taking action for equality and fundamental rights,
• and encouraging more responsible consumption.

How does corporate social responsibility impact society as a whole?

When a company puts its energy into a social commitment, it transforms society. By acting beyond its economic role, the company participates in a collective dynamic that affects individuals and territories and encourages new consumption models.

Context and changing expectations

The younger generations expect organisations to commit to climate action, inclusion and social justice, beyond their economic performance.

According to a survey conducted by OpinionWay, 72% of employees say that their company is committed to an environmental and/or social cause. At the same time, Civitime reveals that 85% of companies recognise the need to integrate a societal approach into their operational. These figures reflect a fundamental shift: companies are increasingly being called upon to assume responsibility towards society.

Awareness and behavioural change

Social commitment is not confined to the company: it spreads throughout society by a ripple effect. According to the Social Commitment Barometer, 65% of committed employees raise awareness among those around them, and 51% adapt their behaviour or consumption after an experience of commitment. Internal actions thus become levers for transformation for families, local communities and, more broadly, for society as a whole.

Strengthening social ties

By promoting cooperation, solidarity and inclusion, social engagement helps to strengthen social ties. Collective initiatives create spaces for exchange, reduce isolation and contribute to building a more cohesive society.

Supporting associations and the local community

Committed companies provide support to associations and actors in the field, who are often on the front line when it comes to social and environmental challenges. Sponsorship, funding and skills transfer are all resources that strengthen the capacity for action of the local community and promote a better distribution of solidarity.

Fulfilment at work and loyalty

Social commitment also has an impact on quality of life at work and gives meaning to employees' lives. According to the same survey, 78% of committed employees say they feel more fulfilled, and 56% feel more attached to their company.

The Upcoop group's sponsorship policy illustrates the "power of acting together" and embodies our social commitment. It is based on a strong conviction: creating social ties requires listening to social issues, being close to local communities and providing long-term support for projects that benefit as many people as possible.

It targets vulnerable and socially excluded groups, giving them access to what is essential for them to flourish more freely. Our sponsorship focuses on three main areas of action: quality food, education and culture, supporting long-term, locally-based initiatives.

Our employees are fully involved in our sponsorship programme and contribute in their own way to projects of general interest (salary rounding, skills sponsorship, volunteering, financial support for selected associations, etc.).

• 80 sponsorship projects supported since its creation,
• an average grant of €13,500 per project,
• 169 solidarity initiatives carried out in 14 countries.

Learn more about Upcoop philantropy actions

A social commitment to healthy, sustainable food that is accessible to all

At Upcoop, we firmly believe that access to quality food is a fundamental right. Through our social commitment, we are taking action to combat food insecurity, encourage culinary interculturalism and promote sustainable consumption models.

Combating food insecurity

Our social commitment is primarily reflected in our support for initiatives that meet the vital needs of the most vulnerable populations.

• With La Tablée des Chefs, we are combating insecurity and waste and promoting food education in favour of the emergence of sustainable, food- models, to make quality food accessible to as many people as possible.
• With Bouge ton Coq, we support the development of community grocery stores for rural residents through civic engagement.
• With ICOSI (Institut de Coopération Sociale Internationale), we support agricultural programmes in Senegal and Benin to strengthen food self-sufficiency.
• With Refugee Food, we promote intercultural food diversity and the professional integration of refugees in the catering industry, while raising awareness among young people about culinary diversity.
• With StudHelp, we are combating food insecurity among students by facilitating connections between students in need and supportive individuals throughout France.
• With Action Against Hunger and the "Je Déj, Je Donne" campaign, we have already raised around €9 million since 2009, providing concrete support to more than 200,000 children suffering from malnutrition.

Healthy and sustainable food

Because eating well is also a public health issue, we are committed to working alongside organisations that promote food that respects both the environment and people.

• With Bleu-Blanc-Cœur, we promote healthier food based on sustainable production and respectful agricultural practices.
• Our partnerships with Biocoop, Réseau Vrac et Réemploi, Recettes&Cabas.com and Bistrot de Pays offer the beneficiaries of our solutions the opportunity to focus their purchases on local, sustainable and accessible products.