“It’s not because we are in precarious circumstances that we cannot go to a restaurant. » It was based on this observation that Jean-Claude Joly and a few people sensitive to this issue decided to create L'Assiette in 2015, a solidarity restaurant at 62 bis avenue de la Châtre, in Châteauroux. It was 10 years ago. The address has not changed and Jean-Claude Joly is still there.
At 80 years old, the former pharmacy technician turned cook does not differentiate between solidarity at Christmas time and solidarity the rest of the year. “It’s the same thing. » During the holidays, the restaurant was closed on December 23, 24 and 25, as well as December 30, 31 and 1is January. “But we continued to do takeaway sales on December 24 and 31 so as not to have a break », he specifies, while reminding that the restaurant serves between 50 and 60 meals every lunchtime.
Volunteer from the age of 18
Jean-Claude Joly has always chosen to help others. At 18, he was already volunteering at the Red Cross, at his home in Aube. “I was also a volunteer firefighter in my little town”he continues. THE « p’tit bled »it is Arconville where he grew up in the middle of the family restaurant which also serves as a grocery store. “I remember my parents’ time, there was always a place for the poor. » A sort of invisible transmission that still matters to him today.
From the Red Cross to Restos du coeur, Jean-Claude Joly has always invested in others.
© (Photo NR Bruno Delion)
In 1985, Aubois arrived in Berry. He continued his job as a pharmacy technician for a while before opening his own restaurant. The adventure lasts around ten years. At the same time, he got involved in the Restos du coeur, of which he became one of the managers in Châteauroux. It was at this moment that he had the idea of creating L'Assiette to help “the working poor” who do not have access to certain aid.
Since 2022, the way L'Assiette operates has changed. The Solidarité accueil association has taken control of accounting and personnel management, but Jean-Claude remains the boss behind the stove, supported in the kitchen by three people in integration (1).
Always looking for volunteers to keep the place alive, he especially emphasizes one point: “We are open to everyone. » Just to shake the necks of those who think that this type of establishment is only reserved for a certain part of the population. Solidarity is also exchange. And not just during the holidays.
L’assiette, 62 bis avenue de la Châtre, Châteauroux. Such. 06.36.59.87.64. Two prices: a social rate of €4 and a solidarity rate of €10.
(1) The rest of the team is only made up of volunteers grouped within another association: “Les amis de l’assiette”.
