We are committed to the Restos du Cœur!

The Inequality Observatory report published last June shows that inequalities persist and are even worsening in France. According to INSEE, at the beginning of 2022, 14% of the population of metropolitan France was experiencing material and social deprivation*. This proportion has reached its highest level since 2013, the first year it was measured.

Also, in a context of galloping inflation, associations are struggling to address these inequalities, a striking example being the number of beneficiaries of the Restos du Coeur, which continues to increase. This year, the association founded by Coluche in 1985 has already helped more than 1.3 million people, 0.2 million more than in 2022.

This is why, in response to the association's call for help on September 3, we chose the Vestiaire des Restaurants du Cœur de l'Hérault for an exceptional donation of 150 pairs of new winter shoes for women and men, worth over €20,000.

*Indicator that identifies people who cannot cover the costs of at least five of thirteen everyday items (such as being able to heat their home to the right temperature, buy new clothes, access the Internet, or meet up with friends for a drink or a meal at least once a month).

Why Hérault?

For Jennifer Maumont, our co-founder: “As players in ethical fashion in France, we provide concrete support to associations throughout France. In addition to the associations and rehabilitation workshops we support in the Paris region, we chose the Montpellier region, where our warehouse is located, to help the most disadvantaged people. The Restos are well-known for distributing meals, but all their other on-the-ground activities are less publicized. However, clothing and shoes, especially for winter, are essential to everyday life.”

In a few figures, this local branch, headquartered in Vendargues, currently manages 28 centers and 5 early childhood spaces in the department. It distributes food aid to 25,000 adults and 577 babies under one year old, representing 4 million meals in 2022/2023.

What is the Restaurants du Cœur Cloakroom?

The Restos de l'Hérault do not just distribute meals, they are also involved on several fronts: personal assistance, integration, support in job search, access to rights, fight against illiteracy, academic support, workshops promoting social ties, cultural activities and soon the fight against digital insecurity.

But what people are less aware of is that they also distribute non-food products such as hygiene products, school supplies, clothing, and... shoes. Changing room areas for adults, children, and babies are available in the centers whose premises allow this activity.

Is this gift useful?

Murielle Crinier-Pichereau, Deputy Departmental Manager of the Hérault department, explains: “Since this year, a traveling changing room truck has been set up to provide access to clothing to all the people welcomed in our centers. We generally have few shoes despite the demand; this is why the donation from JULES & JENN is a real help in meeting the needs of the people welcomed and a valuable contribution to the fight against poverty.”

It was on a beautiful September day that our team went there to meet Murielle and her team, two lovely volunteers from the association, for a tour of the premises and an insight into the extent of their admirable in-depth work with others.

Thank you to all our warehouse staff, as well as to Murielle Crinier-Pichereau and her team of volunteers for their tireless fight against poverty in our country.