PSG for Communities turns the Parc des Princes into a solidarity and festive canteen for students

The Club•08 Nov 2025 18:42

On Saturday, November 8 at the Parc des Princes, PSG For Communities and the student associations Linkee and Studhelp co-organized, with the support of BIC, the main sponsor of the operation, the 11th edition of the “Cantine Solidaire” — a distribution of food and hygiene products benefiting more than 1,000 students in precarious situations. In the presence of Nasser al-Khelaïfi, President of Paris Saint-Germain, Club athletes Kelvin Ray (judo), Dayyan Boulemtafes (judo), Jannick Green (handball), and Warren Zaïre-Emery (football) joined volunteers to provide students with tangible food assistance and a festive break filled with numerous activities.

In sport as in studies, you can’t succeed on an empty stomach

For the 11th time, Paris Saint-Germain is renewing its biannual food distribution initiative, in partnership with the associations Linkee and Studhelp. Since the post-COVID-19 period, the Club has been committed alongside these key organizations that support students, once again using its influence and the magic of its stadium to rally against persistent student insecurity: 34% of students still regularly skip meals due to financial hardship (1).

Being the Club of the new generation means standing by young people in their dreams and projects while supporting them through everyday challenges. Eating well is essential — in both sport and academics. We want to shine a light on the issue of food insecurity and support those offering solutions for students
Fabien Allègre, Vice-President of PSG for Communities

For 25 years, the Foundation has been committed to empowering young people through programs that combine sport, citizenship, and guidance towards autonomy.

Eating well, dressing well

Each student left with a complete 7 kg basket containing healthy and essential food products — fresh and dried fruits and vegetables, ready meals, and basic hygiene items. Organized by Linkee, this solidarity-based and sustainable food distribution follows a circular economy model, as it recovers unsold goods from food professionals.

For Linkee, the leading student food aid association in France, this kind of event is crucial because it shows that real solutions exist to support students while fighting food waste — especially as student poverty continues to rise. This is a call for collective action: if enough of us join forces, we can make change happen.
Julien Meimon, President of Linkee

Students could also find guidance and listen to advice at the Studhelp stand, an association that supports students facing food insecurity throughout France.

A Dressed Boutique for a fresh look

Another highlight of the day was the “Dressed Boutique.” With 45% of young people having to cut back on clothing due to lack of funds (2), each participant was able to browse and choose two items of clothing or accessories from a wide selection — including some in Paris Saint-Germain colors. Men’s and women’s clothing in all sizes, fitting rooms, and a true showroom were set up so students could refresh their wardrobes for the winter.

A screen-printing workshop hosted by Atelier La Pieuvre allowed everyone to personalize a tote bag as a keepsake from this unique day.

A boost of energy and togetherness

For Henri Nicolau, Managing Director of BIC France & Benelux, the main sponsor of this 11th edition, which also included free distribution of BIC products, supporting the initiative was an obvious choice.

No student should be limited in their learning or future building because of financial hardship. Supporting this PSG for Communities initiative allows us, in our own way, to help ease the burden on students so they can focus on what truly matters
Henri Nicolau, Managing Director of BIC France & Benelux

The most iconic stadium in France opened its doors to students, offering them a welcome escape from daily struggles. They were able to meet the athletes and volunteers, and enjoy numerous sports and cultural activities organized by PSG for Communities, Snipes (Paris Saint-Germain partner), and Hoopbus Basket — including football, handball, basketball, and a recording studio.

Beyond organizing the event and providing the venue, the entire Paris Saint-Germain community mobilized to bring this initiative to life: Club staff volunteers, youth academy players, and athletes from various Paris Saint-Germain sports sections all participated in this act of civic engagement.

Key facts and figures about the 11^th edition of the Cantine Solidaire:

11th edition of the Cantine Solidaire
1,000 students supported
250 volunteers
7 kg of food and hygiene products per student
Free clothing items
1 stationery kit per student
7 activities: 1v1 football and handball arenas by PSG For Communities ; Paris Saint-Germain trophy exhibition ; 3x3 basketball court by SNIPES & Ball’N Connect ; Live recording studio by SNIPES ; Support stand by Studhelp ; BIC stand ; Hoopbus Basket

You can download below the pictures of the Cantine Solidaire:

Pictures

You can download below the video of the best moments of the day:

Video

(1) (2) IFOP/COP1 barometer on the students' situation, september 2025