They had no idea that people needed so much help to feed themselves.
Posted at 8:00 a.m.
In the last few days, I spoke with people who operate solidarity fridges in Eastman, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield and Montreal. They all told me the same thing: “We had underestimated the demand. »
If the increase in the price of the grocery basket has significant consequences, for some, they are more tangible than ever…
In 2016, Virginie Coignet started rummaging through garbage cans for food. The entrepreneur had just gone bankrupt. As she was suffering from serious health problems, all her money was spent on medical expenses. She therefore dug up edible food in the waste containers of various businesses…
She found so many that she decided to share them.
The creation of a Facebook page later, the fridge of his apartment became community. Everyone was now invited to pick or drop off food. The popular idea caught the attention of local organizations.
Virginie Coignet came to found the Community and Solidarity Fridge of the East, in 2019.
The NPO now sits in a 2,500 sq.2 which turns into a self-service grocery store every Monday and Tuesday. For $5, you can fill three bags with unsold products from businesses or donated by organizations and individuals. A contribution of $10 allows you to fill a full basket of foodstuffs.
“At the beginning, I had great ambitions as an activist, explains Virginie Coignet, who wanted to fight against waste. But I quickly realized that people came instead to meet a primary need: to eat. For me, food aid has become the gateway to raising people’s awareness of responsible consumption. »
About 200 families benefit each week from the activities of the Frigo de l’Est. Initially, 30% of customers did so out of ecological concern rather than necessity. Since January, this proportion has dropped to 10%, estimates the director general…
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
Virginie Coignet, founder of the community and solidarity fridge of the East
We see more and more people who are salaried, but who need this help to diversify their diet. It is important to understand that solidarity fridges fulfill a mandate that food banks cannot fulfill.
Virginie Coignet, founder of the community and solidarity fridge of the East
This is because they are reserved for targeted vulnerable populations. It is generally necessary that our file be approved so that we are entitled to it.
“Students, retirees, single-parent families, people who work part-time… These people often don’t have access to banks and they have to deprive themselves of fresh produce,” continues Virginie Coignet. On the other hand, everyone can use solidarity fridges! »
Thanks to the 8000 hours of work deployed by more than twenty volunteers, this year, 100 tons of food were redistributed to people who needed it…
“So the rise in the cost of living, is it really being felt?
– Yes, it’s crazy! »
* * *
Alain Paquette uses exactly the same words when I ask him if inflation has had an effect on the activities of the Eastman Community Fridge.
” It’s crazy ! »
Retired for 10 years, the man co-founded the organization last June. Its objective was also the fight against waste. However, he quickly understood that he was attacking food insecurity at the same time…
There are people who come and work full time! Others told us that they were able to heat their homes two degrees warmer, thanks to us…
Alain Paquette, co-founder of the Eastman Community Fridge
About sixty volunteers oversee the organization’s activities, which take place in a building donated by the municipality of Eastman at a cost of $1 for three years. Three times a week, citizens gather there to dip into the many end-of-life foods offered by various grocery stores and food banks in the region.
The first hour of opening is reserved for people in need. The second to those who opt for unloved products out of ecological awareness.
About 80 customers come each time to collect food that would otherwise have ended up in the trash, estimates Alain Paquette.
“We are the last rampart before the compost and the hens,” he sums up, laughing.
* * *
The Salaberry-de-Valleyfield food security committee has also chosen to tackle fruits and vegetables that did not find takers in food banks. So how can we counter the waste of these precious foodstuffs?
By depositing them in fridges open to all!
PHOTO FROM THE FACEBOOK PAGE OF VOT’FRIGO SOLIDAIRE
Between July 2020 and January 2022, 31 tons of food passed through Valleyfield’s community fridges.
In April 2020, a refrigerator was installed at the municipality’s bus terminal and another in an organization dedicated to families.
Both were filled daily by volunteers, around 10 a.m., explains Elizabeth Gaulin, executive director of PRAQ (the organization responsible for the initiative).
By 11 a.m. they were empty.
A survey conducted in June with 150 customers indicates that 95% of them would not have put vegetables on the table, without the solidarity fridges…
Imagine.
Between July 2020 and January 2022, 31 tonnes of food passed through it!
In fact, the solidarity fridges attracted so many people that with the fifth wave of COVID-19, they had to be closed to prevent vulnerable people from frequenting places that were too busy.
“Since then, we have been called every week to find out when they will be back,” laments Elizabeth Gaulin.
In fact, all that is missing is the approval of the funding authority to relaunch the initiative. We can rely on volunteers, but we have to pay certain costs relating to operations, training and transportation, when we focus on sharing resources…
At the Eastman Community Fridge, we are also looking for funds. This is why the organization accepts contributions from its customers (“especially those who come in the second hour”, specifies Alain Paquette) and all donations of cans.
“Empty cans?
– Yes, we are in the middle of collecting! Often companies have a lot of them. Especially with the recent resumption of events… We are takers, if you ever want to write it.
– Of course I’ll write it! It’s the least we can do to thank you for all you do. »