despite 32 million euros in donations in two months, concern persists for the future of the association

Around 32 million euros is the result of the call for solidarity launched two months ago by the Restos du coeur. Enough to last a few more months, but after that? Faced with a significant deficit and an explosion in the number of beneficiaries, the association explained in September that it needed more aid from companies that can afford it and from public authorities. Otherwise, the Restos du coeur could close their doors within three years.

This outpouring of solidarity is a breath of fresh air, but concerns persist in the medium term. Faced with a deficit of 35 million euros, the association decided to reduce the number of its food aid beneficiaries and to give less food per family as well. During the last campaign, which ends on November 22, the Restos du coeur distributed 170,000 meals, almost 30,000 more than the previous 2021-2022 campaign.

A budgetary balance “far from assured”

Registrations have just opened and it will therefore take at least three weeks to find out the needs of Restos du coeur, which are counting in particular on their winter campaign from November 22. Some centers have already had to refuse people.

As for the 32 million euros collected over the past two months, half of the sum has already been received. The rest corresponds to commitments made by companies and the State, with nearly 8 million euros in exceptional public aid for example. The Restos du coeur are also in discussions with the government to see if other subsidies are possible. In a press release, the association estimated on October 29 that the budget balance is “far from assured” because of “the constant increase in the number of the most precarious”.