Over 19,000 families to get state-funded food

The number of families in Malta receiving food supplied by the state is set to increase to 24,000 as the government will now start distributing food that is fully financed by the state.

Thousands of families already benefit from a €4.6 million food aid programme, that is partly financed by the European Union. The new scheme, launched by Family Minister Michael Farrugia, is aimed at reaching a wider range of people in need. Families who already benefit from the Fund for European Aid (FEAD) won’t be eligible.

The food basket to be delivered to families includes milk, sauces, pasta, canned tuna and other essentials needed to help support individuals at risk of poverty.

A total of 19,490 households will benefit from the new scheme: 10,495 are individuals; 5,074 are households made of two persons; 2,362 households are composed of three members; and a final 1,109 households holding more than three members.

The ministry is also asking those receiving the food aid to undergo family profiling, in order to provide more effective help and find ways how to pull them out of the poverty trap.

A total of 8,300 profiles have been carried out, including providing budgeting advise to parents.

The food is being packaged by Vivian Corporation Ltd, the same company operating the tender under the FEAD programme. The distribution of food is being taken care of by the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS). According to Farrugia, in order for the scheme to run smoothly – some 100 persons will be involved.