Food Aid: one billion euros for the most needy in the EU

More than 18 million of the most deprived persons in 19 Member States are to benefit from the Food Distribution Programme in the European Union. In the years 2012-2013, approximately one billion euros will go to the poorest in the EU. The Agriculture and Rural Development Committee of the European Parliament today adopted, by a large majority, the recommendation of the Vice-Chairman of the Committee, Czesław Siekierski MEP, to continue the Food Distribution Programme for the most deprived persons in the European Union for the years 2012-2013.

"This programme is confirmation that the European Union feels a responsibility towards its citizens. The distribution of food to the most deprived persons, similar to the 'School Fruit Scheme and the 'School Milk Scheme', changes the attitude towards the European Union and the Common Agricultural Policy, so heavily criticised in recent times. This year, the Member States will receive nearly €500m", said Czesław Siekierski MEP, Rapporteur of the Food Distribution Programme.

The Food Distribution Programme was established in 1987 under the Common Agricultural Policy. In recent years, about 18 million Europeans have benefited from the programme via more than 240 food banks and charity organisations.

"We rejected the proposal to introduce co-financing from national budgets. This would limit or even exclude some countries from participating in the programme. It could especially affect countries with low per capita income and with additional budget problems", concluded Mr Siekierski.