Doing more with less, the formula has unfortunately become a constraint applied in many areas, and that of solidarity is no exception. “During the previous campaign, we experienced significant financial difficulties, while the number of beneficiaries remained constant, forcing us to come to the aid of the most precarious of the most precarious,” describes Éric Morival, president of Restos du coeur en Lot-et -Garonne. There, things are better. The calls for donations have been heard, the scale for the whole year has been raised and we are leaving for a 40e winter campaign by strengthening the food supply as well as hygiene products. » The number of meals per family will thus increase: from a multiple of 4, it will increase to a multiple of 6.
With 15 centers in the department – including the reopening of a premises in Aiguillon – and three municipalities served by the mobile center, 492 regular volunteers and 150 occasional volunteers are mobilizing to continue the work of Coluche, in order to fight against poverty and 'exclusion. “This year, we are going to develop early childhood support; 39% of the people helped are minors, specifies the manager. In the same way, we will provide special support to single-parent families. »
Precarious retirees
“With 25 to 30% additional people expected, we are always looking for volunteers to provide a quality welcome. When people come to the Restaurants and leave with a smile, we have won,” says Éric Morival, who has seen a large number of precarious retirees arrive in recent years. “And given the indicators, this is unfortunately likely to continue…”
“We endeavor to verify that they benefit from their rights, and if necessary, we can support them in taking steps”
If food aid is a first gateway to the association, the president of Restos du coeur 47 insists on breaking the isolation and loneliness of 80% of beneficiaries, through contact with volunteers. “The arrival of these people is a first contact, and through discussions, we build a connection to address questions of housing, employment, health… We may learn that some sleep in their car. We endeavor to verify that they are indeed benefiting from their rights, and if necessary, we can support them in taking steps. »
Rockers of the heart
Les Restos du coeur 47, already committed to integration through economic activity – via their warehouse and their Jardins du coeur – intends to develop access to culture and leisure for their beneficiaries, for example through cinema screenings. “A Rockers du coeur concert is also organized on December 7 at Les Florida in Agen, with the participation of a toy or a gift certificate for adults. There, we are already starting to receive donations to prepare for Christmas,” adds Éric Morival.
Weighed down by the Covid period and inflation, poverty is gaining ground in France every year. Lot-et-Garonne being no exception, 16,586 people were welcomed by the Restaurants last year, and 1.26 million meals served.
