Victims of natural disasters, the poverty-stricken and the indigent will be able to obtain a food card providing an immediate "rapid response" access to food supplies, says Social Development Minister Glen Ramadharsingh. "We can't postpone hunger," Ramadharsingh added at yesterday's post Cabinet media briefing. "When people tell you they're hungry, you can't tell them to hold on two weeks to organise something. "Government's role is to be there for most vulnerable and at risk people." With poverty levels at 17 to 24 per cent, he said it was expected that at least 200,000 people would be affected. He added that there were already more than 30,000 households benefiting from the original food card project which used a cash transfer.
Ramadharsingh said the new focus of the plan was on rapid response for the most vulnerable, and on empowerment of the holder. He said a one-off, pre-paid food card would be provided to victims of poverty, the indigent and victims of natural disasters. He said many such people appeal to MPs for help. He said cards would be issued for three months, after which the needs of the holder would be assessed. "The holder won't have to wait until you organise a hamper for them," Ramadharsingh said. "With this card, they'll be able to chose products...It will give them more control and choice." He said food items will be in sync with Government's health thrust and will not include high-fat or salted items.
Concessions will also be made for vegetarians. The card will be valued at $410 per month for indigent people. Single mothers with more than two children can access cards for $750 per month. Ramadharsingh said abuse of the original food card programme had been uncovered. He added: "Rich people were using it, grocery owners said people with SUVs and (cars with) rims were swiping food cards. We weeded out 3,000 from the programme," Ramadharsingh said Government is moving to a biometric system involving a single multidisciplinary card for food transfers, pension or and other state programmes.
