In the Gard, food packages are distributed by “drive” to the most vulnerable

Chaque mois, les bénéficiaires du dispositif ne quittent pas leur volant pour récupérer leur colis. C.S. – Midi Libre

In Lédenon, a town on the outskirts of Nîmes, the Order of Malta distributes food and meals to beneficiaries, directly in their cars.

In the polar cold of this Friday afternoon, January 12, a long line of vehicles calls out, in the heart of the small peaceful village of Lédenon, 19 km from Nîmes.

Like every Friday and Saturday, the Order of Malta organizes its distribution of monthly food packages here, for the benefit of precarious families.

Families with or without children, from six municipalities in the eastern suburbs of Nîmes and referred to this system by the Municipal Social Action Center (CCAS) of Marguerrittes.

"Introduced at the end of covid, this “drive” currently benefits 90 precarious Gard families representing around 250 people. A practical system, which suits everyone and which has therefore been perpetuated subsequently. , explains Thierry de Seguins-Cohorn, departmental delegate of the Catholic association which fights against exclusion.

Coffee, eggs, sugar…

In the trunk of Isabelle and Richard *, a couple in their fifties, Thierry *, a former beneficiary who became a volunteer, is busy loading coffee, sugar, oil, eggs, and vegetables. But also frozen meats and fish offered every week by a well-established Nîmes caterer but wishing to remain anonymous. Instantly in the couple's eyes, relief is readable. Isabelle and Richard leave with something « hold » a month for them and their two sons.

At the wheel of his little city car, Denis*, a grateful new beneficiary, comments in turn: " In the times we live in and at my age, finding a stable job has become mission impossible. While everything is increasing, I no longer have any other choice than solidarity to be able to feed me ! ", he explains, receiving the bag of food worth 50 € which Thierry gives him.

To date, the number of beneficiaries of these drive-through parcel distributions continues to increase. The Order of Malta is therefore looking for volunteers. To participate in its solidarity action in Lédenon, send an email to: delegation30@ordredemaltfrance.org

*: borrowed first names. I subscribe to read more