Greece readies "Market Pass" vouchers — up to €1,000 for food, €400m allocated
New "Market Pass" scheme will provide monthly aid averaging €60, funded with €400 million from EU sources and rolled out to participating shops.
Greece is preparing a new scheme called "Market Pass" to support low-income households with vouchers for food and basic goods, with first payments targeted before Christmas.
The plan foresees an average monthly benefit of about €60 per recipient. However, because the scheme will be applied retroactively in some cases, the initial payment for certain beneficiaries could reach up to €1,000. Exact eligibility rules and final payment calculations are still being determined.
€400 million from EU funds for two years
Authorities have allocated €400 million drawn from European funds to finance the programme over the next two years. The aid will be distributed as vouchers that can be redeemed for food and essential items at stores that join the initiative.
Officials say the scheme aims both to support financially vulnerable households and to bolster spending in local shops. Small and medium-sized retail businesses are expected to be included among participating outlets.
Domna Mihailidou, Greece's minister for social cohesion and family, told representatives of the trade sector at a meeting on 16 October that the goal is for the first disbursements to take place before the Christmas holidays.
Photo: press material from the event
