The Social Ministry guarantees the continuation of the Hot Meal program, covering about 70,000 citizens in need, until January 31, 2026. The funding is secured through the Food and Basic Material Assistance Program (FBMAP), which will allow continuous support during the winter months.
The key to successfully extending the social measure is the quick actions of local municipalities in reporting accumulated savings. Additional financial resources have been released by the European Commission within the framework of the program's interim review, which is co-financed by European funds.
At the end of June, Social Minister Borislav Gutsanov held an important meeting with the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Roxana Mânzatu. During the meeting, the minister insisted on continuing the "Hot Meal" service, and Mânzatu confirmed the importance of supporting people at risk of poverty and social exclusion.
The Social Assistance Agency, acting as the Managing Authority, continues its efforts to attract additional financial resources, as the current program has already exhausted its budget. In parallel, the ministry is also working to secure funds for another social service – "Care at Home", through the Human Resources Development program.
The Social Ministry emphasizes the minister's personal commitment to supporting the most vulnerable citizens, guaranteeing that social assistance will continue to be a priority.