Diest (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Vincentius Food Bank in Diest, serving 140 families from 6 towns, has moved to a new glass factory, will introduce shop-style distribution and workshops, supported by increased municipal funding.
As VRT News reported, the Vincentius Food Bank in Diest, in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium, has moved to a new location and is planning more than just food distribution. About 140 families from Diest, Kortenaken, Landen, Linter, Zoutleeuw, and Bekkevoort pick up food parcels twice a month.
Recently, the food bank faced unexpected challenges and needed a new home. After a long search, volunteers found a large building in an old glass factory. The space can store and distribute food and also host new activities to support the community.
What are the new plans for Vincentius Food Bank in Diest, serving 140 families?
With the move finished and the building ready, volunteers are planning future projects. They want to introduce a “shop principle” where families choose the food they need themselves.
“Our food distribution will be transitioning to a store-based approach, giving visitors more choice about the food they want to take home,
says volunteer Evy Mees.
“Of course, it will remain free for certified individuals.”
The Vincentius Food Bank wants to get closer to the families it serves. Volunteers plan to make the food bank a welcoming place where people feel supported. They hope to have an experienced staff member or volunteer visit regularly. This person can talk with families, listen to their concerns, and give advice.
“We also want to organise workshops on food waste or, for example, cooking together. That should strengthen our connections with our people.”
The food bank now rents a building on the private market. To make sure it can continue its work, the municipalities involved—Diest, Kortenaken, Landen, Linter, Zoutleeuw, and Bekkevoort- have agreed to increase their financial support.
“We used to get 10 euros per person per year, but that was no longer feasible. So we get 24 euros per person per year to cover the costs”
Other food banks and social grocery projects have had similar projects in recent years. Foodsavers in Antwerp moved to a new, bigger distribution centre in June of 2023 in order to assist more families and better handle fresh food. The mobile social grocery in Torhout also relocated from October 2020 to a former ACV building to assist more families with food. After losing their building in January of 2025, Huize Fotini, the food bank in Bruges, had to find a new location to continue to assist more than 100 families in their community.
