Elvinger Hoss Prussen supports the Red Cross “Buttek” social grocery stores in Luxembourg due to the high increase of inscriptions during COVID-19!

During the COVID-19 period, the number of inscriptions at the “Buttek” stores in Luxembourg more than doubled. This is due to loss of jobs, divorce, illness, etc. Even though Luxembourg is perceived as a privileged country, an increasing number of its inhabitants are affected by poverty. The stores help disadvantaged people increase their purchasing power while having access to food and hygiene products at prices up to 70% below the market price.

“Buttek” stores are much more than just shops: they are unique spaces to meet and talk, to share information, and for health education. The manager of the “Buttek” store in Differdange stated “we are not only here to give people their groceries, we work alongside the social workers and are attentive to the requirements of each individual. We find solutions to their problems, help them regain confidence in themselves and teach them to cook well-balanced meals with the basic products provided. We also teach them to manage their budgets so that when they return to shopping in normal supermarkets they do not waste any food or overspend”. 

The “Buttek” network was founded in Luxembourg in 2009. The Red Cross currently has eight social grocery stores located in: Differdange, Echternach, Mersch, Grevenmacher, Clervaux, Steinfort, Remich, and Wiltz – while Caritas has four: Esch sur Alzette, Diekirch, Redange, and Luxembourg City. Various suppliers offer their goods free of charge or at a very low price. The initiative is supported by the “Ministère de la Famille, de l’Intégration et à la Grande Région”.