Isn't it possible to just set up a bakery of some sorts? There is wheat or something, right?
No language group has been put in a weak or strong area on purpose - this was really done arbitrarily. But it might be that the French are not located very nicely in terms of food. But, if you set up a bakery or food distribution or something, you should be fine, and with the resources you can find you can trade with other groups that might have more food available. Just organise yourselves!
You might in fact get stronger out of it, because the situation requires you to organise.
And the French are not alone - there are also some English locations that know this problem (e.g. Cantr City) or in other language groups.