In an economic context marked by galloping inflation, the Finistère Food Bank is launching a call for solidarity on the occasion of its major annual collection, which will take place on November 22, 23 and 24, 2024. The objective: to respond to ever-increasing needs and compensate for the decline in purchasing power.
While basic products like pasta, rice or flour remain essential, this year the focus is on other needs that are often neglected. “Hygiene products, particularly intimate products, school supplies for students and baby items are in high demand,” explains Philippe Vigier, communications manager.
Last year, thanks to the generosity of people and the help of collections, more than 200 tonnes of food were distributed to more than 12,000 people in Brest.
But the challenges remain numerous. “Today, with inflation, what we could buy just a few years ago costs much more. Collections are therefore crucial to maintain our actions,” confides Pierre Buzaré, president of the Finistère Food Bank.
“No one is left alone”
For the 2024 edition of its major collection, the Food Bank must face a shortage of volunteers: a growing problem in recent years. The aging of volunteers and the lack of commitment of younger people complicate the organization. For example, in Plougastel and Plouzané, certain slots are not yet filled and, for the moment, there is only one person present for the large Carrefour. However, any help is welcome, “even two or three hours. The volunteers are trained and will be responsible for supervising the volunteers for the collections. No one is left alone,” explains Philippe Vigier.
“Every product counts”
Each product collected is sorted precisely and redistributed fairly among the department's 140 associative partners. “We use software so that everything is fair between our partners,” explains Pierre Buzaré. But some products, like those for babies with short expiration dates, make it difficult. “We sometimes have to throw it away, even when it’s still edible.”
Despite everything, solidarity remains there: “People continue to give, even if they are often low-cost products. And that’s very good! Every product counts.” Donations, in addition to meeting immediate needs, make it possible to reduce the purchases that the association must make to compensate for the reduction in stocks, particularly at the end of summer.
An edition planned for spring
If this collection is successful, a spring edition could be considered, as is done elsewhere. In the meantime, the Food Bank team remains mobilized and hopes that the inhabitants of Finistère will respond. “Every gesture counts. Giving a little of your time or a product can change things,” conclude the two men.
