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Our values, our mission: what the Restos du Cœur will always stand for

June 2025

Ever since they were founded, the Restos du Cœur of Belgium have stood by people in precarious situations, regardless of their origin, gender, beliefs, or social status. Today, as certain voices are rising against what we represent, it is essential to reaffirm who we are, what we are accomplishing, and above all, what we will never tolerate.

Help for all, without condition of origin, nationality or religion

Hunger has no colour. Precarity has no passport.

This is the reality our teams face day in and day out. In every Resto du Cœur in Belgium, aid is provided to anyone in distress, without discrimination. This is clearly set out in black and white in our charter. We do not "sort" people. We choose to help, not to judge.

In 2024, over 1.6 million meals were distributed. Behind each plate, there are no documents or colours… Just people.

Our Restos du Cœur are places of welcome, not places of hate

Racist, sexist, homophobic, or stigmatising remarks have no place in our premises. Whether online or in our Restos, we will never tolerate statements that go against the values of humanity, respect, and solidarity that define our mission.

📌 Racism is not an opinion. It is a crime, punishable under Belgian law (Act of 30 July 1981).

An independent network united by a common ethic

Each Resto du Cœur is an independent non-profit organisation, but they all adhere to a shared charter that guides our actions:

Respect for human dignity
Equal treatment
Political and philosophical neutrality
Active solidarity
Transparency in management

These principles are not just lofty ideals. They are put into practice each and every day by our teams and volunteers on the ground.

Precarity affects everyone

Misconceptions have a tendency to persist, but the numbers speak for themselves:

📊 According to Statbel, nearly 20% of Belgium's population is at risk of poverty or social exclusion.

🧒 One in five children in Belgium lives in a household below the poverty threshold (UNICEF Belgium, 2023).

🏘️ At Restos du Cœur, we welcome families, poor workers, isolated individuals, senior citizens, unemployed youth, homeless people, etc.

Precarity does not discriminate. Neither do we.
Hunger is not a right. It is an injustice.
We refuse to accept it.

A mission, convictions, and a clear path forward

In the face of opposition, we will not back down. We will continue to reach out, listen, nourish, and provide guidance and support, because solidarity does not stop at borders or prejudices.

To those who support us, who donate, who get involved: thank you for sharing our vision of a more humane society.

Read our full charter