On the 3rd of February, the Machico Chamber agreed on an action to provide and allocate ‘food cards’ to impoverished families living within the municipality.
The Municipality of Machico intends to provide means for people to purchase the basic necessities, through the use of a rechargeable card whose amount will be used specifically and solely used for the purchase of food and/or or essential supplies at participating stores.
By creating a card payment system, the municipality believe that they are giving families a ‘discreet way’ for them to purchase goods and essential supplies. The amount of each card will depend on the household. Each card will be valid for a period of four months.
Personally, I think this is a brilliant idea, as it gives people back their self respect and dignity.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com