For years, those unable to afford a meal could rely on the Stëmm vun der Strooss social restaurant, where a menu is available for 50 cents. However, for some, even this nominal fee remains out of reach. To bridge the gap, various organisations in Luxembourg City, including the Croix-Rouge's Bistrot Social, have distributed tokens that allow people to eat for free. Recently, however, staff and people in need have noticed these tokens have become harder to come by, with distribution reportedly suspended not only at the Bistrot Social but also at other associations in the city.
Several people waiting outside the Stëmm vun der Strooss restaurant told RTL that, for several weeks, they have not received any tokens from their usual sources. Most declined to speak on camera, but explained that even street workers, who previously handed out tokens, have stopped doing so. The sudden halt sparked confusion, and in some cases scuffles broke out in front of the Hollerich restaurant as people struggled to understand why the decision had been taken so abruptly.
Regular visitors to the restaurant also confirmed they have noticed the change. Those interviewed named a range of associations and churches that used to provide them with meal tokens.
When contacted for comment, almost all of the concerned associations, except Médecins du Monde and Stëmm vun der Strooss itself, declined to give interviews. Alexandra Oxacelay, Director of Stëmm vun der Strooss, said her team was informed of changes by staff from other organisations. She stressed that nothing has changed at Stëmm itself: tokens can still be purchased there for 50 cents.
Médecins du Monde confirmed their own policy remains unchanged, noting they have no official partnership with the Luxembourg City municipality. Brice Goedert, Director of Care Programmes at Médecins du Monde, explained that other social workers had also informally informed them that tokens would no longer be distributed. This has been reflected in their consultations, with more people arriving hungry.
One large association responded to RTL’s inquiry by stating that it would be best to contact the Luxembourg City municipality. When queried, the City confirmed that only the Bistrot Social, operated by the Croix-Rouge, had been instructed to stop handing out meal tokens. Other associations are not affected by this directive.
Corinne Cahen, alderwoman for Luxembourg City, explained that the decision was taken because the number of people visiting the Bistrot Social to collect tokens had “exploded”. The original intent of the Bistrot Social, she clarified, was for people to spend time there, benefit from a warm space, a meal, and social workers who can offer advice and assistance. Instead, it became apparent that many were dropping in solely to collect tokens.
According to figures from the City, the Bistrot Social recorded 5,533 visits in September, up from 1,725 in January. Individuals may be counted multiple times if they visit on more than one occasion. Compared to September 2023, the number of visits has doubled year-on-year.
Street workers, including those from other organisations funded by the City, are now only permitted to distribute tokens in urgent cases, rather than as a matter of routine, Cahen told RTL after the interview. She stated that reports that all associations have been banned from handing out tokens are a rumour circulating among the affected people.
The question remains: how will these recent changes and statements affect the daily lives of those in need of help on the streets of Luxembourg?
