The department now has five participatory grocery stores. The objective of this approach is to make local products accessible to local residents.
Tuesday October 29 was shopping time for members of the Céaux les Coeurs solidarity grocery store. A friendly atmosphere reigned in the multipurpose room, before collecting the purchases. The association was born in March 2023. Today, around thirty Altiligrian families obtain local products through it. The order must be placed via a website on the Saturday before distribution.
Local products at cost price
The solidarity grocery store allows customers to buy their products at discounted prices. In exchange, “each member must give two hours of their time per month,” explains Christine Calmes, who is part of the association. Indeed, the principle of participatory grocery shopping is that everyone who benefits from it contributes, in return, to its proper functioning. The association today has 45 volunteer members who share roles. Their Tuesdays are punctuated by a tour of the 24 local suppliers, then the sorting of foodstuffs, their distribution and the organization of the schedule.
This Haute-Loire company manufactures medals and trophies for the biggest events in the world
Participatory grocery shopping is a collective effort. It makes it possible to promote the short circuit and an independent and sustainable supply. Beyond the advantage of not having to finance the internal functioning of the structure, it is also a way of revitalizing the territory. “For me it’s a civic act. I am happy to put local producers to work,” said a member. “This initiative is also a way of creating social connections, it allowed me to meet people from all over the town,” notes Christine, a beneficiary.
Soon a dedicated room
For the moment, the products are stored in the multipurpose room. But by the end of the year, the grocery store will have its own premises made available by the town hall.
Namely
Other structures in Haute-Loire. L'Épicerie du Dragon (Saint-Privat-du-Dragon), La Voreysienne grocery store (Vorey), Ravito Blanlhac (Rosières), L'assemblage (Saint-Julien-Chapteuil).
Salome Ham
