The entity had to be established on all four islands.
The Directorate General for Social Welfare has awarded the Spanish Red Cross the management of the FSE+ Basic Material Assistance Program for the period 2025–2028, for a total amount of €12,783,794.24.
This program, funded by the European Social Fund Plus (FSE+), aims to provide food and basic products to individuals and families in vulnerable situations across all the Balearic Islands.
TDB keeps you informed. Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
The Ministry of Families awards the management of food cards for 2025–2028 to the Spanish Red Cross for €12.7 million
The Red Cross, which has proven to meet all the requirements—including being present throughout the archipelago—will be responsible for providing and distributing the cards that can be used to purchase food, hygiene products, and other items included under the so-called basic material assistance program. These cards may be used in various food establishments across the four islands.
In addition, the program includes accompanying measures, which take place when the users receive their cards and again six months later for follow-up. These measures involve a personalised support plan and social inclusion monitoring, informing users about available resources, referring them when appropriate, and providing psychological and emotional support, training, and social and labour integration assistance, among others.
“With this award,” said Marina Fiscaletti, Director General of Social Welfare, “we conclude a process that began in complete chaos due to the Ministry’s lack of foresight. They failed to anticipate that the food distribution program through banks and charities would end in April 2024 and that a new system needed to be implemented.” She explained that regional governments requested an extension of the management transfer until June 2025, but the Ministry denied it, meaning that as of January 1, 2025, the autonomous communities will directly manage the distribution, administration, and follow-up of the cards.
Around €4 million allocated to food security initiatives
Since December 2023, the Ministry has allocated €4 million through calls for proposals aimed at organizations that run food assistance projects, ensuring that aid reaches those who cannot benefit from the food card program because they do not have dependent minors.
Last year, the Ministry granted €2,295,000 in aid to organizations involved in food distribution and social canteens (€1,159,000 from 0.7% of IRPF and corporate tax funds and €1,136,000 from the regional government’s own resources). These subsidies, intended for 2024 and 2025, are in addition to the €1.6 million approved in December 2023 for execution through 2025.