Sint-Pieters-Woluwe (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The “Solo & Smaak” campaign at Stokkel Market, Sint-Pieters-Woluwe, helps single shoppers buy smaller portions. Vendors like Ida Van Haesendonck, Nico van Riet, and Michel Wouters support it; Alderman Carla Dejonghe supports expansion.
As VRT News reported, at the Stokkel market in Sint-Pieters-Woluwe, within the Brussels-Capital region, Belgium, the “Solo & Smaak” campaign took place on Saturday, Oct 11, 2025. The initiative encouraged vendors to offer smaller portions for single shoppers.
Vegetable vendor Ida Van Haesendonck, a market veteran of 50 years, said she has long adapted her products for individual customers.
“If someone asks us to quarter a cabbage, we simply do it,”
she said.
“Older shoppers sometimes cannot handle vegetables themselves. Many hesitate to ask for two pieces of chicory or a single apple. I always say: why not? People should not have to buy more than they need.”
How does Solo & Smaak at Stokkel market help singles in Sint-Pieters-Woluwe?
According to officials, the program also benefits meat vendors who see single customers struggle with standard packaging. Chicken seller Nico van Riet said many shoppers end up buying too much because portions are too big.
“Here, we can give exactly what people want,”
he said. Offering smaller portions reduces food waste and makes fresh products easier to buy.
“My father-in-law is single, and he notices it too: everything in the supermarket is pre-packaged in large quantities, often 200 or 250 grams. That’s too much, and then you have to throw half away,”
says Nico.
“At our place, customers can just get a chicken breast with some fries or three small pieces. That’s much more convenient.”
Cheese vendor Michel Wouters said many people do not know they can order less than 100 grams.
“Some customers think they are ordering too little,”
he said.
“But with us, every customer matters. Big or small, we are happy to serve everyone.”
City officials have shown strong support for the initiative. Alderman Carla Dejonghe (Open VLD) said the campaign is not limited to one day.
“Many market vendors have been cutting a cabbage in half for years, selling half a chicken, or simply giving away two apples. But many people don’t realise this. It’s time to put their customer service in a positive light.”
The alderman speaks from experience:
“I’m single. When I buy a cabbage, I only use a quarter. Smaller portions mean less waste, and it helps keep the bill under control.”
“We are looking to expand Solo & Smaak to other markets in Sint-Pieters-Woluwe,”
she said. She also announced new activities, including a theatre event for singles with drinks afterwards.
“Going to the theatre alone can be difficult,”
Dejonghe said.
Similar projects have been launched in other cities to help single shoppers and reduce food waste. In 2019, several food companies in the United States began offering smaller portion sizes aimed at people living alone.
Solo dining has also grown in popularity. Between 2010 and 2019, spending on eating alone in full-service restaurants rose by 153%, making up 15.6% of all visits. Experts say this is linked to urban lifestyles, hybrid work, and changing social habits.
