This report presents the results of the epidemiological component of the study "Diet and Nutritional Status of Food Aid Recipients" (Abena Study) conducted by USEN in 2004–2005. The study was carried out in four urban areas (Paris, Seine-Saint-Denis, Dijon, Marseille) at randomly selected food aid distribution centers. Participants, selected at random from these facilities, were asked to complete a questionnaire. Additionally, they had the option of visiting a health examination center of the National Health Insurance Fund (CnamTS) to undergo the clinical and biological components of the study. The main findings were: - High participation in the “questionnaire” portion of the study (77.3%), while just over a quarter of the participants (27.0%) underwent the health examination. Ultimately, 1,164 people completed the questionnaire, and of these, 257 underwent the health examination; - As expected, sociodemographic characteristics indicated difficult living conditions: 64.7% of respondents lived alone; half were housed in shelters, hotels, or with relatives...; 58.5% had a primary school education or lower; only 5.5% of participants reported being employed; - The primary source of food was food aid for items such as canned goods, UHT milk, and non-perishable products (85% to 87% of participants); fruits and vegetables or fish were obtained primarily through food aid for 71.3% and 76.1% of participants, respectively. For all these foods, a second source of supply was cited by fewer than 15% of participants; - The daily frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption was at least 5 servings (PNNS recommendation) for 1.2% of participants; 94.5% consumed fewer than 3.5 servings per day; 89.4% of participants consumed fewer than 3 dairy products per day, and 72.7% ate fish fewer than twice a week; - Furthermore, 30.7% of women and 12.1% of men were obese; 31.6% of women over 40 and 27.1% of men over 40 had blood pressure readings above the reference values. Finally, anemia affected 29.8% of women under 40. This study provided an initial assessment of the nutritional status of individuals relying on food aid in the surveyed areas. These findings are useful for public health decision-making as well as for food aid distribution organizations in France. (R.A.)