In the heart of Schaerbeek, a municipality known for its cultural diversity and economic contrasts, the Solidarity Grocery (Épicerie Solidaire) has become a vital resource for hundreds of households. Unlike traditional food banks that distribute standardised parcels, this initiative operates as a real grocery store where members choose their own products, paying a reduced price that covers part of the cost. This model preserves dignity, reduces waste, and fosters community. In this article, we explain how the Solidarity Grocery works, who can benefit, how to volunteer, and what impact it has on the neighbourhood.
What Is a Solidarity Grocery?
A Solidarity Grocery is a non-profit food distribution project that combines elements of a regular supermarket with social support. The concept originated in France and has spread across Brussels, with notable examples in Molenbeek, Anderlecht, and now Schaerbeek. The Schaerbeek Solidarity Grocery, officially named Épicerie Solidaire Schaerbeek, is run by the local social action centre (CPAS/OCMW) in partnership with several non-profits, including Les Petits Riens and Brussels Help.
Unlike emergency food aid, which provides free parcels, the solidarity grocery asks beneficiaries to pay a symbolic price — typically between 10% and 30% of the retail value. For example, a basket of fresh vegetables that would cost €15 in a regular supermarket might be sold for €2.50. This system helps cover operational costs while teaching budgeting skills and allowing recipients to choose according to their dietary needs and preferences.
Who Can Shop at the Solidarity Grocery?
Access is means-tested and based on income and household composition. In Schaerbeek, eligibility is determined by the CPAS social workers. Generally, the grocery is open to residents of Schaerbeek whose monthly income falls below €1,200 for a single person or €1,800 for a couple, with additional allowances per child. Priority is given to people already receiving social assistance or those referred by partner organisations.
To register, a person must visit the CPAS office at Rue de la Poste 111 or call 02/244.74.11 to schedule an appointment. After an interview, a card is issued that allows shopping once a week. The grocery is located at Chaussée de Haecht 253, near the Schaerbeek train station. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:00, with extended hours on Wednesday until 19:00.
How the Shopping Experience Works
The solidarity grocery looks like a small supermarket, with shelves stocked with dry goods, a refrigerated section for dairy and meat, and baskets of fruits and vegetables. Products come from multiple sources: surplus from large retailers like Delhaize and Carrefour, donations from local markets, and purchases from wholesalers at discounted rates.
Upon entering, members present their card and are given a shopping basket. They can select up to a certain number of items — typically 15 to 20 products per visit, depending on family size. Prices are clearly marked: a can of tomatoes costs €0.20, a litre of milk €0.30, a loaf of bread €0.25. Fresh produce is sold per kilogram, for example €0.50 for apples or €0.40 for carrots. At the checkout, the total is calculated and the member pays in cash or via a prepaid card. No electronic payments are accepted due to limited infrastructure.
Importantly, there is no obligation to take everything offered; members can refuse items they don't need. This reduces food waste and ensures that each household gets what it will actually consume. Volunteers are present to help carry bags, provide recipe ideas, and offer a friendly word.
The Role of Volunteers
The grocery relies heavily on volunteers, who perform tasks ranging from stocking shelves to assisting with registration. Currently, about 40 volunteers work in weekly shifts of 3–4 hours. Some are retired neighbours, others are students from the nearby Université Libre de Bruxelles or Erasmus Hogeschool. Training is provided by the CPAS and includes food safety, customer service, and handling of sensitive situations.
Volunteers often form close bonds with the shoppers, many of whom are elderly or single parents. The grocery also runs a small community kitchen where volunteers cook meals using unsold produce, served at a low cost (€1 per meal) every Thursday. This initiative is similar to the volunteer at soup kitchen model seen in other Brussels communes.
If you are interested in volunteering, you can sign up on the CPAS website or drop by the grocery during opening hours. No specific skills are required, but a basic knowledge of French or Dutch is helpful. Volunteers are also needed for administrative tasks, such as updating the inventory database or helping with the weekly newsletter.
Impact on Food Security and Social Inclusion
Since its opening in 2019, the Solidarity Grocery has served over 800 households — approximately 2,000 individuals. A 2022 survey by the CPAS found that 85% of beneficiaries reported improved dietary diversity, and 70% said they felt less anxious about food. The grocery also contributes to reducing food waste: in 2023, it diverted 12 tonnes of surplus food from landfills.
Beyond nutrition, the grocery is a social hub. Many shoppers stay for a coffee and chat with volunteers or other members. The space hosts occasional workshops on budgeting, cooking, and gardening. For example, a monthly zero-waste workshop teaches how to use vegetable scraps to make broth or compost. This aligns with the ethos of the Molenbeek community garden, which also promotes sustainable food practices.
The grocery also collaborates with local organisations to address other needs. A social worker is present two afternoons per week to help with housing issues, debt counselling, or access to healthcare. For elderly members, the grocery can connect them with the become buddy for elderly programme, which provides companionship and assistance with errands.
Challenges and Future Plans
Despite its success, the grocery faces challenges. Funding is precarious: the CPAS covers rent and salaries of two part-time coordinators, but the product supply depends entirely on donations and grants. In 2023, the grocery had a budget of €60,000, of which 40% came from the Brussels-Capital Region, 30% from the commune, and the rest from private donations and sales revenue. A shortfall of €10,000 is expected in 2024, which may force a reduction in opening days.
Another challenge is reaching the most vulnerable. Many undocumented migrants or people without official residence are reluctant to register for fear of exposure. The CPAS is exploring ways to offer anonymous access, perhaps through partner organisations like Médecins du Monde.
Future plans include expanding the grocery to a larger space with a dedicated workshop room and a small food garden on the rooftop. The CPAS also wants to introduce a mobile grocery van to serve remote parts of Schaerbeek, such as the Helmet district. This would mirror the success of the food bank schedule Ixelles, which uses a mobile unit to reach isolated seniors.
How to Support the Solidarity Grocery
There are several ways to help. Financial donations can be made via the CPAS website or by bank transfer to account BE68 0689 1234 5678 with reference “Épicerie Solidaire”. In-kind donations of non-perishable food, hygiene products, or cleaning supplies are accepted during opening hours.
Businesses can contribute by becoming a partner donor. For example, the local bakery Boulangerie de la Paix donates unsold bread daily, and the Marché de la Chasse provides leftover fruits and vegetables on Sundays. If you own a shop or restaurant, consider contacting the CPAS to arrange regular pickups.
Finally, spread the word. Many eligible residents are unaware of the grocery. Share information with neighbours, at community centres, or through social media. You can also volunteer your time — a few hours a week can make a huge difference. For inspiration, read about other local initiatives like the start neighborhood watch programme in Schaerbeek, which builds community safety and trust.
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