Dr. Hans Rocha IJzerman, LONELY-EU work package leader at the Annecy Behavioral Science Lab, joined La Table d’Aude, a street meal on Rue de l’Aude in the 14th arrondissement of Paris.
The meal is part of La République des Hyper Voisins, a community-led initiative that brings neighbours together for a shared meal in the street once a year. It was founded by Patrick Bernard, who is a member of the LONELY-EU Evidence-to-Action Board.
The day started at 7 a.m. with unloading two trucks full of tables and chairs. Around 30 people worked side by side to turn the street into an open-air dining room. By noon, 170 tables were set and 1,000 plates were ready.
The street then filled with elderly locals, newly arrived migrants, families with children, long-time residents, and volunteers. Everyone brought food, from quiches, oysters, and potatoes to couscous and dishes from around the world. Emmaüs Solidarité served coffee and cake. Children played, people told stories, and there was plenty of music.
What struck Hans most was how easily people from different backgrounds connected. There were no structured activities. People simply shared food, stories, and the work of setting up.
La République des Hyper Voisins has since been highlighted in the European Commission’s new Intergenerational Fairness Strategy.
