“I will not allow any violations in the distribution of food packages to people from vulnerable groups. I will be absolutely uncompromising on this issue“. This was stated by the Minister of Labor and Social Policy Borislav Gutsanov during his working visit to Blagoevgrad. He inspected the process of distributing packages with food products and hygiene materials under the Program “Food and Basic Material Assistance“.
“The way we approached the nursing homes, it will be the same here. I will be absolutely uncompromising. 650 thousand people cannot need this assistance, and someone can afford to abuse them”, said Minister Gutsanov. He was categorical that the inspections will continue, and it is planned to visit at least several more places in the country to monitor the process.
Minister Gutsanov explained that the first tranche of the program includes hygiene materials, pasta and sugar. So far, the distribution has started in 235 points throughout the country. It will continue until the end of November, and for the districts of Plovdiv and Blagoevgrad the deadline will be extended until December 5, 2025. After that, the second tranche will begin to be distributed, which will include 15 food products.
„The Social Assistance Agency did well. They prepared the lists of people who should receive this support in time”, he added.
Under the program, the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (MLSP) and the Social Assistance Agency (ASA) support people and families with low incomes and who are entitled to assistance by August 2025 under various social laws. Packages are also received by households receiving heating assistance. The products are expected to reach about 650,000 people throughout the country.
“I thank the Bulgarian Red Cross and Mr. Grigorov for once again jointly carrying out this operation”, said Minister Gutsanov. He spoke with the recipients, as well as with the volunteers, who are actually supporting the process. “Thank you for everything you do“, the Minister addressed them.
He noted that since the beginning of the year, the MLSP has done everything to prevent the most vulnerable from feeling the difficult situation. On December 31 last year, “Home Care“ expired - a program that is extremely important. We found hundreds of millions and in practice the support continues. We also found additional funding for “Hot Lunch“ - something that is crucially important for a large part of the people. It is not some luxury, but these people really need the hot lunch”, Gutsanov noted.
The Minister of Labor and Social Policy also visited the family-type accommodation center for people with disabilities in the city. There, he spoke with both the residents and the workers. Gutsanov was introduced to the upcoming improvements. "You can always count on me if you need anything," he told them.