European Towns Give Free Chickens to Fight Food Waste
Some towns in France and Belgium have been giving free chickens to residents for years to help reduce food waste.
The idea is simple: families feed their kitchen scraps to the chickens, and in return, they get fresh eggs. This not only cuts down on waste but also provides families with a sustainable food source.
The trend started in 2015 in Colmar, a small village in northeastern France. According to the BBC, the local government launched the program to encourage families to adopt chickens.
Each household received two chickens and signed a pledge to care for them properly.
The chickens, which eat food scraps that would otherwise go to waste, have helped the town avoid over 273 tonnes of food waste since the program began.
The initiative has been so successful that all 20 municipalities in the Colmar area now participate. Over 5,000 chickens have been distributed to date, and applications are open for the next round in June 2025. Residents not only enjoy free eggs but also learn about sustainability and animal care.
Other towns in France and Belgium have followed suit. In Pincé, a small French town, 31 families received chickens in 2012. In Belgium, cities like Mouscron and Antwerp have also handed out chickens, with residents agreeing not to eat the birds for at least two years.
While the idea has worked well in Europe, experts say it might not be as effective in places like the UK or the US.
Bird flu outbreaks and strict regulations make it harder to keep chickens in these regions. Additionally, caring for chickens requires space, time, and resources, which not everyone has.
Despite these challenges, the program has brought unexpected benefits. In Colmar, residents have bonded over raising chickens, creating a stronger sense of community. Neighbors help each other care for the birds, especially during holidays.
Credit to the BBC for their detailed reporting on this unique initiative. While giving away chickens may not be a perfect solution everywhere, it shows how small, creative ideas can make a big difference in reducing waste and bringing people together.