Families in Spain could get up to €220 a month for food shopping

Families meeting the income and social requirements can receive between €100 and €220 a month, depending on the size of their household

For families struggling to keep up with the cost of the weekly shop, a government-backed food support scheme could provide between €100 and €220 a month. The Tarjeta Monedero is a prepaid card for households with children who are considered to be in a vulnerable financial situation. Rather than receiving food parcels, eligible families are given money on a card which can be used at participating supermarkets and shops.

The amount available depends on the size of the household. A family made up of one adult and one child can receive €100 a month, while the allowance rises to €130 for three people and €170 for a household of four. Families of five or more can receive the maximum €220 per month.

The card can be used to buy permitted food and certain essential hygiene products. This includes everyday items such as fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products and children's hygiene products. Alcohol and other non-essential purchases aren't covered by the scheme.

Who can apply for the Tarjeta Monedero?

There are financial and social conditions that families must meet before they can receive the support. At least one child under the age of 18 must live in the household, while the family's net income must be below 200% of the current IPREM. Priority is given to households experiencing severe poverty or material deprivation.

This isn't something families can simply apply for online and receive automatically. Their circumstances have to be assessed and officially confirmed by social services.

How to apply for the food support

Families should contact the primary care social services at their local town hall, where they are registered on the padrón, to ask about the scheme. Applications can also be handled through authorised third-sector organisations involved in delivering the programme, including Cruz Roja.

A social worker will look at the family's circumstances and check documents such as proof of income, the family book and padrón certificate. If the application is approved, the prepaid card is issued to the person named on the application.

The card can then be used at participating businesses that are part of the programme, giving eligible families some extra help with one of the household expenses that can be hardest to keep under control.

See also:Food Shopping Gets More Expensive As Some Everyday Favourites See Big Price Rises

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