Two ministers signing an agreement to support a commercial kitchen in one of two emergency shelters being built with European funds (see related story) is interesting. Placing it on government’s budget from 2024 is to ensure the provision of meals to vulnerable schoolchildren and homeless persons, in addition to victims of possible calamities, by covering the related operational cost.
Details are still lacking, like exactly how the private and more public role of the businesses in question will be balanced. However, one can hardly deny a visible need out there and not just when disaster strikes.
Some might argue that such food programmes only combat symptoms and not the underlying cause, namely social problems including poverty. They have a point.
It would indeed be much nicer if the residents involved could get a decent income and affordable living accommodations, so they don’t require this kind of basic aid. After all, few people probably enjoy depending on handouts and most prefer being able to take good care of themselves and their own families, but in too many cases that is simply not the current reality.
Under those circumstances, a little help can go a long way.
