Background.- The Abena study was conducted during the winter of 2011–2012, primarily to describe the health and nutritional status of food aid recipients. Method. - This is a cross-sectional study conducted in six urban areas: Paris, Dijon, Marseille, Seine-Saint-Denis, Hauts-de-Seine, and Val-de-Marne. Participants were recruited through a two-stage random selection process (food assistance organizations followed by recipients). Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 2,019 recipients. A clinical and laboratory examination was performed at a health center for 422 recipients. The results were compared with data from the general population in the 2006–2007 National Nutrition and Health Survey. Results.—The prevalence of obesity was 28.8% among food aid recipients (17.6% in the general population), with a particularly high prevalence among women (35.1%). The prevalence of hypertension was also high (48.5% among men and 39.3% among women; 34.2% and 27.8%, respectively, in the general population). Only 5.3% of recipients reported taking antihypertensive medication (15.7% in the general population). The prevalence of fasting hyperglycemia and/or antidiabetic treatment was higher than in the general population, particularly among women (8.9% versus 3.3%). The prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia among women of childbearing age was 7.6% (3.0% in the general population). The prevalence of severe vitamin D deficiency was particularly high (45.9% versus 4.8% in the general population). The risk of folate deficiency affected 27.2% of recipients (a proportion similar to that observed in the general population). Conclusion.—The health and nutritional status of food aid recipients is a cause for concern. It appears to be a priority to strengthen preventive measures, particularly community-based initiatives, as well as screening for chronic disease risk among these populations, in addition to a more comprehensive economic and social policy aimed at reducing social inequalities in health. Paper cited in the "Revue épidémiologique et de santé publique" in Supplement 4, Volume 61.