Italy launches 500‑Euro food assistance card for 2026

The Italian government has approved the implementing decree for the “Carta Dedicata a te 2026”, a prepaid card worth €500 that can be used only for essential food items. The decree, signed by Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida, Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti and Labour Minister Marina Calderone, outlines eligibility criteria and the allocation procedure for the 2026‑2027 period.

Eligibility is limited to families residing in Italy whose ISEE does not exceed €15,000 and who are not recipients of other social aid such as the inclusion allowance, NASpI, DIS‑COLL, CIG or similar programmes. Priority is given to households with at least three members, a child under 14, or those in municipalities with lower average per‑capita income. The card is assigned automatically by INPS, with lists forwarded to local municipalities for verification; no application is required.

Funding amounts to €500 million per year. The first €500 credit will be loaded in October 2026, with a second top‑up expected in April 2027. Cardholders must spend the funds on approved food categories (e.g., meat, dairy, cereals, fruits, vegetables, water, DOP/IGP products) by set deadlines, after which unused balances are forfeited.