Questioned after the organization of a buffet, the Food Bank of Toulouse explains
A buffet was organized by the Toulouse Food Bank just after the inauguration of a solidarity grocery store for students at Capitole 1 University. Internet users denounce “contempt”, student associations deplore an insufficient system.
“One in two students has not had enough to eat since the start of the health crisis“Recalled Nadia Pellefigue, vice-president of the Occitanie region on Twitter. The elected official was also present, on March 14, at the University of Toulouse Capitole 1 to attend the inauguration of a social grocery store for students. A social grocery store managed by the Food Bank of Toulouse.
At the end of the ceremony, elected officials, donors, volunteers, partners and beneficiaries of the association were invited to a buffet organized by the Food Bank of Toulouse. A video published on the association’s social networks and since deleted has caused some Internet users to react. They denounce “a contempt”.
Contacted, the Toulouse Food Bank acknowledges having received the partners, volunteers and beneficiaries of the social grocery store around a buffet. “All the products served at the buffet are products from the social grocery store. We wanted to make a buffet to show that there are fresh, good products and that these are not low-end products.», Details Isabelle-Dubois Costes.
According to the communication manager of the Toulouse Food Bank, such an event would have allowed volunteers to be “proud of their work”.
We wanted to serve good products that were prepared by volunteers. It’s a way to thank them for their commitment
Isabelle Dubois-Costes from the Toulouse Food Bank
According to several participants at the buffet, petit fours and champagne were notably served to the guests. “It is an event that remains exceptional and that we organized to thank our partnersassures Isabelle Dubois-Costes.
In office for more than four years, Matthias Salles, student vice-president of Toulouse 1 University, claims to have refused to attend the buffet organized by the Toulouse Food Bank after the inauguration of the social grocery store. “SServing petit fours, champagne or something else when the students are hungry is inappropriate”, judges the president.
Even if he claims to be satisfied that the social grocery store project for students has finally seen the light of day, he deplores a lack of significant commitment on the part of the university management. “The social grocery store is only open two half-days a week. It is very insufficient“, he comments.
Operational since Monday, March 14, the social grocery store should allow the poorest students to shop for food at “prices”20 to 30%“Cheaper than in traditional shops. In Toulouse, a similar structure was created at Jean Jaurès University.