The North Department is in the process of setting up a distribution system for fresh and regional products. The goal is to allow the farmers who usually supply the colleges to sell their merchandise a little.
According to Patrick Valois, vice-president at North Department in charge of rurality, 95% of the colleges in the Nord department are involved in a local supply system for part of their products for canteens. However, confinement requires, local producers face the loss of an important outlet due to the closure of all schools.
The Department of the North therefore decided to set up a drive-farmer system in certain colleges. He wants to make up for this huge lack due to the end of out-of-home catering. ” We are currently developing a list of colleges that may receive sales of fresh produce.. Vegetables but also meat products from local farmers, indicates the president of the Department of the North, Jean-René Lecerf, at drawn prices; because they will already be happy not to have to throw away their production. “
Some public colleges in Lille, Thumeries, Valenciennes, Denain, Cambrai, Douai, Maubeuge and Hazebrouck should quickly set up these mini-markets. The days and times will be specified very soon by the Department. ” We could for example imagine this in the playground or under the playground if it rains“, Continues the president.
The operation, why not, envisages the Department, can be made permanent. And will have an indirect advantage: ” Strengthening the links between the city and the countryside“, Rejoices Jean-René Lecerf.
Solidarity baskets
In addition, it was decided that many of these fresh and local products would be distributed free, in the form of baskets, to families in very precarious situations. Several municipalities considered to be the least wealthy have been identified to benefit from this operation: Roubaix, Tourcoing, Denain, Lourches and Lille in particular.
The Department, which will participate up to 30% (in kind or financially), intends to work with the municipal CCAS to make the operational approach as quickly as possible. For example, the city of Lille plans to help 4,000 families.
Agathe Villemagne
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