On Thursday mornings I'm volunteering at the French Reformed Church's food pantry called "l'Echoppe"--which translates as a market stall. The pantry is about a 5-minute walk from St. Marc's in a poorer neighborhood. Unlike Neland's food pantry which is part of our church building, this one is in a former elementary school far from a Reformed Church. A team of about 12 people run the show on Thursdays. According to the lists pictured above we pack boxes of food (pasta, polenta, oil, couscous, etc.). We also add butter, meat, bread, fruit and veggies.
In this room, the food is chosen according to the number of people in a family. Those who come to the food pantry do not "shop" for the food, but can chose not to take something. This morning, much to the consternation of some of the ladies, an individual did not want "compote"--applesauce. How can you refuse food, they wonder. I did not think this was such a big issue, but they did!
The fruits, vegetables and meat are all weighed so that there is enough for everyone who signed up the day before. This takes more time, but it does allow everyone to get something.
The food we pack is put in boxes. Those who come for food--this morning we served about 30 people--pack it in their caddies (large market bags on wheels), in their strollers if they have a child along or in their backpacks.
I had a long conversation--half in French, half in English--with a refugee from Kosovo. He and his wife fled their country 2 years ago and since coming to France they have lived in 29 different places. They have finally received permanent status so they will not be sent back to Kosovo. Life is very hard, but he is a graphic artist and his wife an elementary school teacher, and they hope they can support themselves soon. He was very thankful to God for the lodging he has (15 sq. meter apartment!), the food he gets at the pantry and for being able to start his own website.
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