Greece to launch new Market Pass food voucher program

The Greek government plans to initiate the first payments of the new Market Pass program before Christmas. Aimed at economically vulnerable households, the initiative provides vouchers for purchasing food and essential goods from participating businesses. Unlike previous food aid models involving pre-packaged kits, this system allows beneficiaries to select the specific products they need.

While the average monthly assistance is estimated at approximately 60 euros, the initial payment could reach up to 1,000 euros for certain cases due to the program's retroactive nature. The total funding for the initiative consists of 400 million euros sourced from European funds, intended for use over the next two years.

Details of the program were discussed during a meeting between the Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, Domna Michailidou, and the President of the Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (ESEΕ), Stavros Kafounis. The Minister stated that the goal is to support citizens in need while simultaneously boosting the local market during the holiday season.