In Lyon, a local organization called 1 Cabas pour 1 Étudiant is seeking volunteers known as "godparents" to support the most vulnerable students. Many students struggle with the high cost of housing, limited financial aid that doesn’t cover basic needs, and the lack of support from family. These challenges leave many students at risk of poverty and food insecurity. The association’s mission goes beyond just providing food; it also aims to help students build social connections and reduce feelings of isolation. According to recent data, one in five students in France lives below the poverty threshold, which is defined as earning less than 891 euros per month. Additionally, nearly half of these students skip meals due to financial strain or lack of resources. In Lyon and Saint-Etienne, Maëlys Silveira leads the association and explains that the goal is not only to provide food but also to help students feel connected and supported. "We want them to come out of their isolation, create connections, and have someone who can support them over a long period," she says. These godparent relationships typically last more than a year, allowing students to build meaningful, long-term relationships with someone familiar with their city and its systems. Christian, a student from Cameroon who completed his master’s degree in Lyon, credits his godmother with helping him succeed. She not only provided food aid but also helped him with administrative tasks, including finding housing through her network. “She fought to get me a place to live,” he recalls, describing their relationship as close as that of a mother and son. For Nadine, who volunteers as a godparent with her husband, the experience is equally rewarding. They provide a monthly food basket worth around 70 euros, either by shopping together or exchanging items via WhatsApp. “It’s more than just a food basket,” she says. “It allows us to stay connected and help students, and it’s mutual.” The association has grown significantly over the years, supporting 7,500 students across 50 cities in France over the past five years. By connecting students with supportive individuals, the initiative helps not only those in need but also the godparents, who gain new perspectives and a sense of purpose. As Nadine puts it, the experience helps them "stay a little younger" and reminds them of the importance of community and support.