A 36th campaign in an unprecedented context due to Covid-19. The Restos du Cœur expect to receive one million beneficiaries this year for the winter season which began this Tuesday amidst a health and economic crisis.
Born from an idea by Coluche, the association has been welcoming disadvantaged individuals every year since 1985. Depending on their resources and family situation, they are allocated points that entitle them to food supplies.
Last year, the Restos du Cœur welcomed 875,000 people and distributed 136.5 million meals. “I think this year we will exceed one million people,” estimates Patrice Blanc, the president of the association.
“The financial crisis of 2008 resulted in a 25% increase in people relying on food aid over two years. We must prepare for a wave of at least equivalent magnitude,” warns the president of the association.
Variable situations depending on the regions
For now, the association estimates the rise in registrations for the winter campaign at 10%, with situations being “variable depending on the regions.”
The association warns about the situation of young people, increasingly knocking on their doors. The disappearance of jobs has left students in precarious situations. They represent “an even more particular source of concern.”
Those under 25 already account for almost half of the beneficiaries, with minors making up 40%. Among beneficiaries over 16, 36% are looking for work, 12% receive a pension, 6% have jobs, and 6% are students.
