You may notice a few more people than usual at the entrance to your supermarket on November 22, 23 and 24. This army in orange vests are the volunteers of the Food Bank of Bordeaux and Gironde, ready to collect foodstuffs in 250 stores in the department for their big annual collection.
A crucial collection for thousands of meals
In 2023these are 4,100 tonnes of food which were distributed thanks to this collection and donations throughout the year, allowing to offer 2.8 million meals to 127 partner associations of the Gironde Food Bank. This year, expectations are high, because requests are exploding. The latest collection marked a 12% increase in donations despite inflation.
This time again, basic necessities such as canned vegetables, fish, ready meals, rice and pasta are at the top of the list. These foods, practical and durable, constitute the basis of the food packages distributed.
Constantly evolving beneficiary profiles
The number of beneficiaries, unfortunately, continues to grow. In 2023environ 22,300 people benefited from food aid via partner associations, against 18,000 before the pandemic. Among them, we now find diverse profiles: retirees, young workers, often on part-time permanent contracts, who are no longer able to meet their basic needs.
Pour the Food Bankhelping is not limited to providing packages. It also carries out awareness-raising activities, notably through cooking workshops to learn how to prepare economical and seasonal dishes. The idea is to give everyone back control of their diet to reduce insecurity in the long term.
A call for Gironde solidarity
To succeed in this collection, the Food Bank needs many arms. With 250 stores to cover in three daysthey need between 2,400 and 2,500 volunteers. It's still missing 500 to 600 volunteersand even a two-hour slot is precious. “Everyone can participate, even for a short time,” recalls Christian Bost, in charge of the collection.
At the same time, the Food Bank calls on local businesses to lend trucksessential for transporting foodstuffs from collection points to their warehouse. Although the structure already rents vehicles, a logistical boost would help reduce costs.
How to participate?
If you wish to contribute to this surge of solidarity, register as a volunteer or offer your logistical help via the site of the Food Bank of Bordeaux and Gironde. By donating a little of your time or some food, you participate in an essential support network for the region. Because, together, it is possible to make a real difference for those who need it most.
Where are you registered?
????Food Bank of Bordeaux and Gironde
???? From November 22 to 24
➡️ Registration by email – Registration by telephone
???? Site web
