After losing their student job, a student in France turned to a food bank, bringing home roughly €50 (around $56) worth of groceries for around $8.
Here's what to know
Raspberries, a mango, chicken rillettes, shallots, and a persimmon were among the groceries commenters identified in the student's haul, shared in Reddit's r/povertyfinance community.
The selection also included a baguette and Saint Albray cheese, which the student identified as their favorite.
"Hi, after checking the receipt, I only paid about 15% of the initial price, so the initial price was about 50€," the original poster wrote in a follow-up.
More background
The student was met with kindness at the food bank, but deciding to seek help had been difficult. They described setting aside their pride as the hardest part. The variety of food available drew supportive comments.
One commenter reacted: "That's healthier and better food than most students can afford. Enjoy."
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In response to one comment, the student explained that they got only one persimmon because the others were not ripe enough. That choice revealed they had full control over which groceries they took home.
America-based commenters also suggested that while some food bank options might not be as good as the one on display here, they do exist for those in need. The comments section had a mix of both good and bad experiences in the States.
"My food bank haul was frozen fish sticks, wet red onions, grains, and then some close to too old fruit," one wrote. "I'm happy to get anything but it's the bare minimum in America right now."
"I'm a teacher at a low income school in the US," another user replied. "We have a food bank at the school every Wednesday and Thursday evening. The food is of very good quality and quantity."
What can be done?
The student shared that this particular food bank charges a small portion of the groceries' original value rather than providing everything for free.
"There are other completely free food banks, but those are usually a lot busier and of less good quality imo," they wrote.
When someone who was not a student asked whether they could get assistance, the original poster suggested Caritas, Secours Populaire, and Restos du Coeur. They also directed the person to a Bordeaux city hall food-aid page.
Another commenter complimented the haul and wished the student well in their future endeavors.
"Wow, I live in France so i believe i have an idea of the cost i would pay for all of that, it's great!" they wrote. "I hope you'll find a new job soon."
Where can I learn more?
Like the student in France, people in the United States are turning to food pantries to help stretch their grocery budgets.
• In Los Angeles, a food pantry distributed 386 bags in one day amid benefit changes.
• In Florida, weekly food pantry trips became routine as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) cuts and grocery prices strained budgets.
• In Port Richey, a Salvation Army pantry served 100 in three hours as demand rose.
• In Texas, a food pantry distributes 15,000 pounds a month as families face high grocery bills.
• In Georgia, an elementary school's free grocery store helped cut absenteeism by 43%.
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