EU Ups 5 Times Assistance for Poorest Bulgarians

The funds for free food, purchased by Brussels under the EU Charity Program, and distributed to the poorest Bulgarians by the Bulgarian Red Cross have been increased five times over the crisis. File photo by BGNES

The European Union has increased five times assistance for poorest Bulgarians over the economic crisis.

The amount is now BGN 40 M, compared to the previous BGN 8 M, bTV reports Sunday.

Over 300 000 Bulgarians will receive free food, purchased by Brussels under the EU Charity Program, and distributed by the Bulgarian Red Cross across the country. The campaign starts on Monday, September 10, in the Black Sea city of Burgas and in two weeks it will reach all locations.

In the capital Sofia, the campaign will start on September 13. The second stage will begin after October 24.

The first truckloads with 150 metric tons of food from the EU are already in Burgas.

According to the Bulgarian Agriculture Ministry, the packages will contain basic staples such as flour, biscuits, pasta and rice. The products have been determined through a consumer poll.

The food has 2013 – 2014 expiration dates. This is a one-time assistance.

The campaign is held in Bulgaria for the third year in a row. Some packages will contain largest quantities compared to previous years.