Strasbourg’s “Abribus” Association Battles Rising Food Insecurity with Volunteer Power
As economic pressures mount across Europe, a growing number of individuals and families are struggling to afford basic necessities, including food. In Strasbourg, France, the Abribus association is on the front lines of this crisis, relying on a dedicated team of volunteers to provide hundreds of hot meals each week to those in need.
The rising tide of insecurity is forcing more people to seek assistance, and organizations like Abribus are stepping up to fill the gap. For 30 years, Abribus has been distributing meals three evenings a week in the Alsatian capital, operating independently of public subsidies as a deliberate act of advocacy. “We want to remain militant and put pressure on the public authorities,” explains Sumitra, the association’s spokesperson.
Every Thursday, the kitchen of Emmaüs Montagne Verte buzzes with activity. Volunteers like Zakia and Nadine, both in their sixties, spend hours preparing ingredients, their chatter a comforting backdrop to the rhythmic hum of the dishwasher. “We make our little hummingbirds,” Zakia smiles, reflecting the care and dedication that goes into each meal. Many volunteers, like Zakia, bring years of experience from previous careers to the effort.
The scale of the operation is significant. By 5:30 p.m., the team must prepare nearly 600 meals for distribution. Last year alone, Abribus provided 50,000 meals to isolated individuals, the homeless, and those without resources. This Thursday, a delivery from the Food Bank arrives, supplementing donations from local partners, including bakeries providing unsold bread collected by volunteers like Renée.
The meals are then loaded into the association’s iconic bus and a van, destined for distribution in front of the central station and at the Étoile-Bourse bus station. Volunteers like Renée find deep satisfaction in their work. “When I go home, I know that we have prepared food for 600 people. So I know 600 people are going to eat,” she says, her voice filled with purpose.
The kitchen operates with remarkable efficiency, despite the volunteers’ diverse backgrounds. Brigitte, a lab technician, expertly spreads parchment paper and ladles omelets, while Marianne, a brasserie director, marvels at the team’s culinary skills. “They have developed restaurant techniques without knowing it,” she observes, impressed by the quality, diversity, and quantity of food produced.
Beyond the practical task of meal preparation, Abribus fosters a sense of community. Volunteers like Patrick enjoy the camaraderie while wrapping cutlery, and Didier, a retired teacher, emphasizes the political dimension of their work. “There is enormous poverty in Strasbourg, and it is increasing,” he notes, adding, “We are doing the work of the State and it is not sustainable.”
The demand for Abribus’s services has surged, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. While pre-pandemic distributions allowed for indoor dining and extra snacks, current operations are limited to takeaway meals due to social distancing and increased demand. Isabelle, who oversees operations with Sumitra, explains, “If people ate indoors today, we wouldn’t be able to survive.”
Supplies are becoming increasingly strained. “We have much less than we had at one time,” Isabelle confirms, echoing concerns shared by other organizations facing rising demand. Marianne points to a lack of proactive food waste reduction efforts within the restaurant industry, suggesting a potential avenue for increased support.
Perhaps most concerning is the dramatic increase in families seeking assistance. Before the pandemic, Isabelle recalls “a few families” utilizing the service; now, they represent half of the beneficiaries. “None of this is normal or acceptable,” she states.
The dedication of Abribus’s volunteers is unwavering, fueled by a sense of indignation at the prospect of hunger in a wealthy nation. As Nadine powerfully states, “That people don’t have to eat in a rich country? This is a revolting situation!” The association continues to rely on donations and the commitment of its volunteers to meet the growing need, but the long-term sustainability of this vital service remains a critical question.
