The European Commission approved the Food and Basic Material Support Programme 2021-2027, through which Bulgaria will receive funding of BGN 411.7 million. The funds provide support to the most vulnerable groups living in poverty and deep social exclusion. Thus, the two programmes of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, which are co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus - for food and for human resources development, are the first to be officially launched in Bulgaria and co-financed by the European Social Fund +.

With twice as much money agreed as in the previous programming period, support will be significantly expanded. Around 350,000 food parcels will be distributed annually with the familiar food products from the first programming period and as many more with hygiene materials, which are a new type of assistance. The provision of a year-round hot lunch for about 50,000 vulnerable persons on average per month is maintained.

The new programme focuses on supporting children. Essential products for newborns will be given to the families of 10,000 newborns. Children’s kitchen vouchers are provided for an additional 10,000 children aged 10 months to 3 years.

The different types of support are expected to reach a total of over 600,000 people who are unable to provide for their own and their children’s basic living needs. Beneficiaries of the Food Programme are obliged to provide assisted persons with accompanying measures following an assessment of their individual needs. By involving them in employment, training, access to social services, health care, etc., the aim is to achieve a lasting overcoming of poverty and social exclusion and thus ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the Programme. Accompanying measures are also aimed at ensuring conditions for an equal start and early childhood development for all children, by supporting families who are struggling to cope with the challenges of parenthood.