Around 200 Demonstrators Carry Empty Plates to Highlight Belgium Food Aid Crisis
Approximately 200 people marched through central Brussels with empty plates to draw attention to rising demand for food assistance in Belgium.
On 26 September, about 200 demonstrators dressed in black and bearing empty plates marched through Brussels, staging the “Line of Empty Plates” protest organized by the Fédération des Restos du Cœur de Belgique and the Food Aid Coordination body of the Fédération des Services Sociaux. The route began at Place de l’Albertine, proceeded to the Palace of Justice, and continued along Rue de la Régence to Place Poelaert. Organizers highlighted a sharp increase in meals and parcels distributed by Restos du Cœur centres in 2025, alongside a drop in federal budget for essential goods from €27 million to €15 million in the following year.
Brigitte Grisar warned that many aid groups feel overwhelmed, with half reporting they cannot keep up with demand. Patrick Dejace described longer queues and smaller parcels for those seeking help. The groups are urging authorities to treat adequate food as a fundamental right and to provide sufficient resources for frontline services.
Why it matters
The protest underscores growing food insecurity in Belgium and shrinking public funding for essential aid.
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