French charities launch autumn food drives and volunteer appeals

Charitable organizations in France are launching autumn food drives to support vulnerable populations.

In the Bouches-du-Rhône department, the Banque Alimentaire 13 has issued an urgent call for 1,000 volunteers for its annual large-scale collection scheduled for November 6, 7, and 8. The operation will take place in nearly 200 stores and aims to supply 177 partner associations and social centers that assist over 110,000 people. During its previous edition, the organization collected 340 tonnes of products, equivalent to 680,000 meals.

In Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, the Restos du Coeur is conducting a solidarity collection from October 9 to 10 at various supermarkets. The association is seeking non-perishable food items, such as pasta, rice, and canned goods, as well as baby products like jars and diapers to support 380 families. The local center prepares 3,000 meals weekly and noted that previous collections have been insufficient to meet the needs of their beneficiaries.