Ramadan Charity in Brussels Struggles as Donations Drop Amid Rising Costs

"Chicago" is a neighborhood located a few minutes from the Grand Place in Brussels and not far from the municipality of Molenbeek. Many people live in precariousness and it is to them that the non-profit organization offers some 1,000 meals per day. However, the volunteers lack certain essential products such as oil, meat. Donations are scarce due to the economic situation.

For Oumi, one of the volunteers, the situation is not easy. "We lack oil, meats which are essential for the preparation of the meals we offer. Otherwise we have enough apples, tomatoes, onions, celery. But the rest is lacking".

Reserves have been depleted over time. Yet last year, despite the situation caused by the health crisis, there were enough supplies to meet the challenge of 1,000 meals per day. This year, to make up for the shortfall, the volunteers are showing creativity, explains Yasmine Ben Mahou, co-founder of the non-profit organization.

"It’s grandma’s recipes that are saving us right now. The day we have meat, it’s good, otherwise we fall back on lentils, split peas. We try to arrange to have something to offer in order to honor our commitments. We can’t say to people, there’s nothing to eat today, come back tomorrow. It’s already good to have a meal that satisfies".

But the task is not easy for the volunteers. "It’s not easy. We wonder every day what we can prepare tomorrow, the next day. It’s a bit stressful but the smile on the face of those who come to us is quite comforting".

Yasmine Ben Mahou calls on good will to come forward more to allow this act of solidarity to thrive. She says she understands the current situation and hopes that everything will return to normal for the happiness of all those who depend on Chicago Back.