Last year the Red Cross helped 1,600 people from Tarragona and Terres de l'Ebre with 1,200 wallet cards, with a deposit of 100 or 150 euros, to be able to buy basic products, such as fresh food.
Help with cash cards has been "widely accepted" because it allows users to buy with "flexibility" and "destigmatize". The cards complement the delivery of other food and hygiene products that the association periodically gives to vulnerable families with few resources.
Red Cross warns that inflation has complicated the socioeconomic situation of many families and claims "flexible aid" adapted to the needs of each user at home.
In 63% of the cases, the wallet cards have been delivered in a timely manner and in 37% of the cases it has been done on a recurring basis for three monthly installments. The Red Cross argues that it is a "more efficient" method of getting help to families, since it reduces the costs of transport, storage and handling involved in delivering baskets of products. Users can purchase what they need directly in a commercial establishment and make help more efficient.
The entity also provides support for academic and leisure reinforcement to children and adolescents between 0 and 14 years of age and delivers healthy snacks, which guarantee children "an adequate meal a day". This project has been carried out during 2022 in Tarragona, Tortosa, Reus, Valls, Amposta, Móra d'Ebre, la Ràpita and Mont-roig del camp and 5,500 snacks have been delivered to some 158 children and young people. In addition, the Diputació has given support with 14,000 euros.
