PARIS, May 28, 2016

For the third year in a row, Roland Garros is working to fight food waste. The restaurants at Porte d’Auteuil are again setting an example by distributing surplus food in good condition to people in need, for the duration of the tournament. 

Gaël Monfils is the patron of this community-oriented initiative, supported by the French Tennis Federation and the Mairie de Paris. It is coordinated by Le Chaînon Manquant, a non-profit organisation which has established local distribution channels throughout the Paris region.   

Since the beginning of the tournament, 5000 meals have been distributed to non-profit organisations supporting people in need. 

This initiative is an excellent reflection of the French Tennis Federation’s commitment to community activities, especially those run by its educational, social and solidarity department in recent years. This commitment helps make Roland-Garros a socially responsible tournament.

Gaël Monfils, who is supporting the initiative for the third year in a row, said, “I wasn’t rich growing up. My parents made a lot of sacrifices for me to get to where I am today. Every cent counted, so not finishing your food was just not an option. When you consider how many people in France and around the world don’t get enough to eat, you have to do something. Sustainable development is a key issue for the planet and for future generations. For too long we’ve produced and consumed without considering the environmental and societal impacts. We need to start worrying now; every little bit helps. Everyone has to get involved, everyone has to be aware of their actions on a daily basis.”