The grocery store: quite a challenge when one is illiterate and penniless

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Patricia Hélie

Monday, February 19, 2018 19:58

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Monday, 19 February 2018 19:59

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THREE-RIVERS | For many of us, grocery shopping is a routine and relatively easy, but it is far from being the case for everyone.

For the illiterate or those in a situation of poverty, the exercise may become a real challenge.

“Just read the label or receipt, I don’t understand anything in there,” said Nicole Baribeau, a woman who has attended workshops in literacy to better understand what she read. And as illiteracy is often synonymous with poverty, she lives with only a little more than $ 600 per month.

“Once the rent, the electricity and the debts paid, there does not remain large-thing to the grocery store. Sometimes I don’t!”

This is the reason for which the organisation of popular education COMSEP holds a day of awareness, “Take my place for a day”.

Participants will 18,50 $ for the groceries and cook two meals for four people, which is a reality for all those who are living on social assistance.

“It is third for the highest poverty rate. After the Nord-du-Québec and Montréal, it is the Mauricie region”, explains the coordinator of COMSEP, Sylvie Tardif. It prevents, moreover, that the obstacles related to illiteracy, will also have to be overcome during this competition.

People who are interested in the challenge need to gather a team and register with COMSEP to the 819-378-6963