In a context of growing food insecurity, the Nestlé France Foundation awarded its prize for the first time to the COP1 – Solidarités Étudiantes association. This financial support of 100,000 euros will make it possible to deploy a branch in Toulouse and fight against food insecurity among students.
A prize awarded in an alarming context
During its annual conference, the Nestlé France Foundation awarded its first prize to the COP1 – Solidarités Étudiantes association. This prize, accompanied by an allocation of 100,000 euros over two years, aims to support innovative initiatives against food insecurity. COP1 will use these funds to create a branch in Toulouse and thus meet the pressing needs of students experiencing food insecurity.
Young people aged 18 to 24 are indeed among the most affected populations, with 58% of them facing this reality. Among the latter, 36% experienced situations where they were hungry without being able to eat for financial reasons. However, 66% do not seek food aid, often for fear of stigma. These figures, from the 2024 Food Vulnerability Observatory, confirm the need to create effective support solutions.
A concrete response to student precariousness
With more than 120,000 students in the Toulouse region, COP1 plans to help up to 3,000 young people per year. Three axes structure their action: weekly distributions of food and hygiene products, “Fest1” cooking workshops to encourage healthy and sustainable eating, as well as global support which includes access to rights, employment support and cultural activities.
By supporting COP1, the Nestlé Foundation is concretizing its commitment to “eating well” as a vector of social connection. Hugo Rossigneux, development manager of the association, emphasizes that this prize will make it possible to extend the frequency of food distributions and strengthen mutual aid initiatives. On a broader scale, the Foundation has been working since 2008 to promote sustainable and accessible food, with programs such as “Entraid’ Plat Dessert” and the Food Vulnerability Observatory.
A lever for lasting impacts
Collective catering and partner associations like COP1 play a key role in combating food insecurity. The Nestlé Foundation highlights the importance of social ties and conviviality in the fight against precariousness, particularly through shared meals or practical workshops. The COP1 initiative fits perfectly into this approach, serving as a model for other territories.
Finally, the partnership between associative and institutional actors, as developed by the Nestlé Foundation, constitutes a strategic response to the rapid increase in food insecurity in France.
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