Food income 2024 is a measure aimed at reducing food waste and providing support to people living in conditions of absolute poverty. The measure, introduced with the 2023 budget law, provides for the distribution of food packages containing unsold food collected from supermarkets and large organized retail stores. The products, which would otherwise be thrown away due to damaged packages or close to expiration, are destined for people in need through a network of
third sector bodies.
This measure not only supports people in difficulty, but it also contributes to the fight against food waste, an increasingly urgent issue.
How does food income work
The operation of food income is based on the collection and distribution of unsold products in the supermarkets participating in the initiative. These products, no longer suitable for sale but still perfectly usable, are collected, packaged and distributed
in food packages.
Packages can be picked up at distribution points identified by municipalities, or, in the case of fragile or self-sufficient people, delivered directly to their homes.
To facilitate access to this measure, it is possible to book food packages through a mobile application, which is expected to be launched by 2024.
Who can apply for food income
The 2024 food income is aimed at people living in conditions of absolute poverty, identified by the municipalities of the metropolitan cities where the experimentation was activated, namely Genoa, Florence, Naples and Palermo.
Recipients can be identified through reports from social services, third sector organizations or through the lists of beneficiaries already involved in the FEAD program, the European Fund for Aid to the Poor.
Requirements to access food income
To access food income, there is no ISEE limit at the national level, however, municipal governments may establish specific income thresholds or other criteria for the distribution of food packages.
Families in poverty or those who already receive assistance through other food aid programs have priority. It is therefore important to contact your municipality of residence to verify the specific requirements
.
How to apply for food income
The request for food income does not take place through a formal application, but through the booking of food packages through a mobile application, the use of which will be active in the cities involved. The operating methods, including the application, will be clarified with the directives that will be published by the end of 2024
.
Those who do not have access to mobile devices can contact participating municipalities or third sector organizations directly for assistance in booking or delivering food packages.
When will food income arrive
Food income has been operating since September 2024 in the cities of Genoa, Florence, Naples and Palermo. The food distribution projects in these cities were financed with a total fund of 5.1 million euros, distributed between 2023 and 2025. At the moment, it is not planned to extend the measure to other cities, but it is possible that in the future it will be extended to other territories
.
Resources allocated for food income
The food income fund, established by the budget law, provides for an allocation of 3.5 million euros for 2024. In addition to this sum, there are 54.9 million euros, intended for the purchase of food products for charitable associations
.
Each metropolitan city involved will receive specific resources to implement food distribution projects:
- Florence: 188,800.98 euros in 2024 and 2025
- Genoa: 342,499.19 euros in 2024 and 2025
- Naples: 502,909.90 euros in 2024 and 2025
- Palermo: 765,789.93 euros in 2024 and 2025
Food income 2024 is an important measure to support people in economic difficulty and combat food waste. The distribution of food packages, made with unsold products, provides concrete help to those living in absolute poverty. If you meet the requirements, it is advisable to contact your municipality of residence for more information and request the food package through the indicated channels
.