“Last year was an extremely difficult year financially for restaurants at the national level”explains Françoise Collomb-Luciani, departmental manager of Restos du Cœur de Haute-Corse. “This year looks better, despite the drastic rules imposed and scales revised upwards. The emphasis is on helping single-parent families. In Bastia and Haute-Corse, we have many single mothers and single fathers, and they will be better supported. Aid has also been extended to babies under three years old, compared to one year old last year, with particular attention paid to a diet composed of fresh products. A space dedicated to mothers and babies has been set up in our Bastia premises, as we expect to welcome a higher number of infants there this year. »
Last year, in Haute-Corse, 800 families were welcomed in the winter and 750 in the summer, for a total of 3,000 people in the department's seven centers. “In Corte, we observed a high proportion of students among the beneficiaries”specifies Françoise Collomb-Luciani. “In addition to this, we distributed 650 emergency packages in collaboration with social workers from town halls and the Community of Communes, and 198,000 meal baskets. » The commitment of volunteers remains essential: “We have around 140 volunteers in the department, and we are appealing to those who would like to help us. »
Faced with the continued increase in precariousness, the Restos du Cœur are expanding their actions, not only in terms of food aid, but also in support in other areas such as housing and social support. “We have put in place procedures to help families living in precarious conditions, such as those staying on campsites. Our volunteers also give French lessons and, in partnership with the Jean Nicoli high school in Bastia, we offer digital assistance”adds Françoise Collomb-Luciani. “We also collaborate with the CCAS de Bastia educational grocery store, aiming to help the poor choose a better diet, favoring fresh products adapted to their health. »
If the Restaurants increase the number of initiatives each year, the objective is now to strengthen their presence in rural areas, a challenge which requires more funding and volunteers. As the holidays approach, volunteers will be present near certain supermarkets to make Christmas packages for a coin or note. The association will also be present at the Bastia Christmas Market, where a large raffle will be organized to support its actions.
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