Food bank seeks volunteers for major event

The Food Bank of Vaucluse has started a campaign to recruit volunteers for its large-scale food collection event, scheduled for November 6, 7, and 8. This annual event is a key moment for the organization to gather food and essential items to distribute to those in need in the region.

Annual collection provides significant portion of yearly aid

Pascale Hemard, the president of the food bank, stated that the collection will account for nearly 8% of the food the organization distributes throughout the year. In 2025, the food bank supplied 1,648 tons of food to 63,365 people in Vaucluse, which equates to 2,707,000 meals.

Food bank faces staff shortages and challenges

Hemard told BFM that the past year has been "very difficult," with a significant drop in food collected from waste and delays in support from the European Social Fund (FSE). These challenges have made it harder for the food bank to meet the demand for assistance.

Volunteers needed for large operation

To help with the upcoming collection, the food bank is hoping to find 750 volunteers to support the three-day event. Currently, the organization has thirteen full-time employees and about fifty volunteers, but more help is needed to manage the operation effectively.

President expresses optimism about volunteer response

Hemard emphasized that volunteers are needed in fifty stores across Vaucluse and must commit to at least three hours of work. She remains hopeful that people will step forward to help, noting that in past years, individuals have often joined at the last minute in response to the call for assistance.