Volunteer At The New Red Cross ‘Social Grocery’…

Luxembourg may be one of the wealthiest European countries, but there are plenty of people living here in poverty. In fact the overall risk of poverty rate has risen to 15.9%, with the most affected people being single parents and children. Child poverty reached a rate of 26.3% in 2012.

The Luxembourg Red Cross and Caritas Luxembourg are attempting to fight poverty by managing ‘social groceries’ across the country.

The concept is simple. Social groceries provide food and everyday products to people facing financial difficulty, and in return a financial contribution (apx 1/3 of retail price) is charged. This means customers can more easily afford quality, fresh products and retailers can avoid food waste. In addition, cookery classes held at the stores provide nutritional education and promote a balanced diet.

In 2013  the social groceries network recorded 28,389 customers, selling 533,143kg of products and items! It is estimated that 6,366 people were helped, of which 3,993 were adults and 2,373 children under the age of fifteen. 58% of customers were from single parent families and 26% were on benefits.

A brand new social grocery is opening in Steinfort, and the Red Cross are welcoming applications from volunteers who, from 4th May onwards, would like to help set up the store and then get it running. Could this be the opportunity for you?!…

If you are interested please contact the Red Cross directly by emailing: isabelle.vekemans@croix-rouge.lu  

Tel: (+352 2755 5012)

Opportunities also exist in the other social grocery stores which are situated in the following locations; Rollingen, Grevenmacher, Echternach, Differdange, Wiltz, Clervaux.