CARE International’s history in France
After World War II, France – like most of Europe – was facing a devastating crisis. Hunger was widespread. Infrastructure was severely damaged.
At the time, CARE had recently been founded in the United States to provide post-war aid. The organization began sending emergency relief in the form of CARE Packages.
France was the first country to receive a CARE PACKAGE® box. On May 11, 1946, the first 15,000 boxes reached the battered port of Le Havre. They had essential food staples to help families struggling in the post-war period survive.
Thanks to the communities’ hard work and international support, France gradually recovered from the war’s devastating impact. In time, the country was able to help others facing similar challenges around the world.
In May 1983, CARE France was founded as a Member of CARE International. Till this day, it supports communities facing crises — much like the one France experienced in the past.
CARE France’s work today
Today, CARE France works alongside partners and communities across the world to fight poverty, as part of the CARE International Confederation.
Key areas of work include:
- Humanitarian aid
- Helping communities adapt to and fight climate change
- Protecting women’s and girls’ rights
Focus on women and girls
As it happens across the CARE International Confederation, gender equality is at the core of CARE France’s work.
CARE France’s She Grows the Future program, supported by the L’Oréal Foundation and the French Development Agency, promotes adaptation to climate change, especially for women and girls. The initiative supports agroecology schools and participatory climate assessments—with a focus on women’s leadership as a sustainable strategy for resilience.
Between 2021 and 2027, She Grows the Future will contribute to the lives of more than 21,000 people in Ecuador, Madagascar, India, and Vietnam.
With initiatives like this, we help women and girls have the same rights and opportunities as men and boys. This creates better futures not only for them, but for entire communities.
Learn more about CARE France’s work here.
