The ongoing rise in the cost of basic necessities and services in Bosnia and Herzegovina has significantly increased reliance on the Bosnian Muslim charity 'Merhamet' soup kitchens in the cities of Banja Luka, Novi Grad and Kozarska Dubica. Requests for hot meals are received daily, and despite numerous challenges, 'Merhamet' strives to assist all those in need within its available resources.

The financial crisis in the country has affected all segments of society, including those with average incomes. For citizens with unstable income, low wages, or minimal pensions, survival has become a daily struggle.

In recent months, the number of users of ‘Merhamet’ soup kitchens in the Republika Srpska entity has surged.

“The growth in users is at least 20 percent. Each month, we receive 50 to 70 new requests, and every ten days, another 30 people seek inclusion in our services”, explained Jasmin Spahic, the head of the Banja Luka ‘Merhamet’ regional office.

Further challenges loom with the anticipated increase in electricity prices for businesses, which is expected to trigger a chain reaction of rising costs for other goods and services.

“Statistics clearly show that the number of our kitchen users will rise in parallel with price increases. People are losing their jobs and struggling to cope under these difficult conditions. Unfortunately, this bleak situation persists across the country,” Spahic warned.

Guided by the principle of turning no one away, ‘Merhamet’ volunteers and staff conduct daily visits to assess the needs of potential beneficiaries.

“When we determine that someone is truly in need, we make every effort to provide at least one meal a day,” emphasized Spahic.

Despite these challenging circumstances, ‘Merhamet’ –  with the support of its donors, continues to provide critical assistance to the most vulnerable. The organization also appeals to institutions, businesses, and individuals to support its work and projects, emphasizing the importance of collective action to alleviate the burden of the crisis for the country’s most disadvantaged citizens.