Curitiba council eyes food aid bill for recyclable collectors

The Curitiba City Council is reviewing a proposed municipal law that would grant recyclable‑material collectors participating in the Ecocidadão program a monthly food‑aid credit of R$ 500. The credit can be used only at the city’s Armazém da Família to purchase food, hygiene and cleaning items. The bill defines the aid as an indemnity, not a salary, and ties its continuation to the collector’s registration in the program.

Financial estimates in the proposal show an annual cost of about R$ 3 million for 500 beneficiaries, rising to roughly R$ 5.7 million if all 945 eligible collectors receive the benefit. The amount would be indexed each year to the national consumer price index (IPCA). Administration of the credit would involve the Municipal Environment Secretariat (SMMA) and the Municipal Food‑Security Secretariat (SMSAN), which would issue electronic credits and reimburse the city’s food‑supply fund.

The measure aims to give the aid a permanent legal basis, improving food‑security for vulnerable collector families and ensuring budgetary stability for the program.