The Bulgarian Red Cross in Burgas gives a free hot lunch every day to 30 people in serious financial and social need. Burgas council pays for the service, said Violeta Radeva, director of the Red Cross branch in Burgas.
The money will last until the end of December.
Meals are served at the Red Cross soup kitchen at 95 Oborishte Street. The daily menu is soup, a main course, bread and dessert. One lunch costs €3 with VAT.
Most of those who eat there are over 65, live alone and have low incomes. They qualify if the income of each family member is 80% of the minimum wage.
Staff at the kitchen give more than food. They also offer psychological and social support, talking with people, pointing them to help and advising them on social services and what they are entitled to.
For January next year, the Burgas Red Cross is seeking money for hot meals through the "Mercy" fund and is counting on donations.