Mallorca food cards reach 7,228 vulnerable people

Food cards are helping 7,228 vulnerable people on Mallorca buy groceries, hygiene goods and other basic items. Across the Balearic Islands, 8,376 people in 2,503 households have received the cards through Cruz Roja Española, the Spanish Red Cross. The Balearic Government announced the figures in Palma on 20 September.

Mallorca accounts for 2,227 of the households using the scheme. A further 892 people in 191 households are receiving help on Menorca, while 256 people in 85 households are covered on Eivissa.

The cards are for families with dependent children. They can be used at Alcampo, Carrefour or Eroski, with cardholders choosing which of the three supermarket chains to use.

Funding and follow-up support

The scheme runs from 2025 to 2028 and is funded by the European Social Fund Plus. The Balearic Government awarded the Spanish Red Cross €12.7 million to manage the basic material assistance programme.

The Red Cross holds an interview when handing over each card, then meets users again a few months later for follow-up. It can point families towards other services and, where appropriate, offer referrals, psychological and emotional support, training and help into work.

People without dependent children cannot receive a food card. Since December 2023, the regional ministry has committed nearly €6 million to food-support projects for them, including food distribution schemes and social canteens.

Topics: Social affairs · Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com