Social grocery shops

Although Luxembourg is known as a rich country, an increasing number of its inhabitants are affected by poverty. There are many life hazards: loss of jobs, divorce, illness, etc. People can quickly fall into a vicious cycle of deprivation and exclusion. The Caritas Luxembourg social grocery shops were set up to address this problem.

The first one opened its doors at Esch-sur-Alzette in 2009, followed in 2010 by the Diekirch shop, and then by shop in Rédange-sur-Attert in 2014. June 2016 saw the official opening of the social grocery shop in Luxembourg City. This rapid development is a testament to the success of the social grocery shops, but unfortunately it also shows how desperately they are needed.

Fighting exclusion

The aim is to fight exclusion by offering food and hygiene products to people affected by poverty, at prices up to 70% lower than those of large retailers. As well as the usual range of products, about a dozen of essential products are distributed free of charge thanks to the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD) and the Ministry of Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees.  So, deprived people see their buying power increase, while also having access to fresh, high-quality products so that they can have a balanced diet.

Strengthening social bonds

As well as fulfilling these basic needs, the social grocery shops also aim to increase solidarity and strengthen social bonds. People are welcomed there with a cup of coffee and can chat, exchange views, take part in cooking workshops, etc. if they want to. This high-quality hospitality is provided by trained employees, with the support of volunteers.

Fighting waste

Finally, the aim is also to fight food waste in our consumer society. Certain social grocery shops (Esch-sur-Alzette, Diekirch and Rédange) also have a "Kleederstuff" section where customers can buy second-hand clothes at very appealing prices.

Contacts:

Caritas Buttek Esch-sur-Alzette

79, rue Dicks, L-4082 Esch-sur-Alzette, Tel.: +352 40 21 31 435, buttek.esch@caritas.lu

Monday: 1.00 pm to 4.30 pm, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10.00 am to 12.00 noon and 1.00 pm to 4.30 pm, Friday: 1.00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Caritas Buttek Diekirch

20, route d’Ettelbruck, L-9230 Diekirch, Tel.: +352 40 21 31 443 buttek.diekirch@caritas.lu

Monday to Friday: 11.00 am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 5.30 pm

Caritas Buttek Rédange

32, Grand-Rue, L-8510 Rédange-sur-Attert, Tel.: +352 40 21 31 440, buttek.redange@caritas.lu

Monday: 1 pm to 6.30 pm; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 1 pm to 5 pm; closed on Wednesday

Caritas Buttek Luxembourg-City

21, rue Michel Welter, L-2730 Luxembourg, Tel.: +352 26 19 60 49, buttek.luxgare@caritas.lu

Monday: 2 pm to 6 pm, Tuesday: 10 am to 6 pm; Wednesday: 2 pm to 6 pm;  Thursday: 10 am to 6 pm; Friday: 11 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm

The opening hours stated above are subject to change. Please phone for more information.