A tragic event struck the Gard Food Bank on the night of November 27 to 28, 2024, when its six trucks were set on fire at its headquarters in Nîmes. THE material damage were estimated at nearly 500 000 euros. The disaster also disrupted food supplies for thousands of people in need. However, solidarity was not long in coming, and Crédit Mutuel Méditerranée quickly responded to this criminal act by releasing a emergency aid of 50,000 euros.
“We have decided to release emergency aid to allow the association to quickly resume its activity,
the president of the Crédit Mutuel Méditerranée Federation
Aid delivered this Tuesday, January 14, 2025 to Joseph Pronesti, president of the Gard Food Bank. Bernard Dalbiez, president of the Crédit Mutuel Méditerranée Federation, testifies: “It is not possible to deprive hundreds, even thousands of beneficiaries of meal distribution.” He continues: “Without thinking, I contacted the national president of Crédit Mutuel, and within 24 hours, we decided to release emergency aid to allow the association to quickly resume its activity.”
Funds for new trucks from the Gard Food Bank
The aid will mainly be used to finance the purchase of new trucksessential to the daily activity of the association. Until now, the Food Bank had to rent vehicles, a process that was both logistically complex and expensive, costing around 12,000 euros. Other aid was added to that of Crédit Mutuel, allowing the association to continue its missions.
“Today, thanks to everyone's support, we are at almost 300,000 euros in firm donations, and with the pledges of donations and the reimbursement of insurance, we should reach close to 400,000 euros, if everything goes well. concretizes”explained Joseph Pronesti.
Once there are sufficient funds to renew the damaged equipment, the association plans to stop the collection specifically launched following the fire. A threshold soon reached, but “sIf people want to continue to make donations, we are not opposed to it”, specifies the president of the association.
A constant commitment from the Gard Food Bank
The Gard food bank continues to play an essential role in the fight against food insecurity in the region. Every year, it distributes nearly 3.7 million meals in the department.
The number of beneficiaries continues to grow: from less than 19,000 in 2019, this figure will reach 43,000 in 2023. The association also distributes every month 750kg of hygiene products, thus meeting fundamental needs while preserving the dignity of the people being helped.
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