In the face of growing social and economic challenges, ensuring the basic living needs of people in difficult situations has become a priority of social policy. In response to these needs, the European Funds for Food Aid Program 2021-2027 (FEPŻ) was created, with the aim of combating material deprivation by providing food assistance and implementing actions supporting social inclusion. Kwitnący Dom, located in Bielany, Warsaw, is an organization implementing this program in cooperation with the SOS Food Bank in Warsaw.
The program is co-financed 90% by the European Social Fund Plus (EFS+), and its total budget amounts to 583 million euros.
Who can benefit from the assistance?
Food assistance under the FEPŻ program can be provided to individuals and families of both Polish and foreign origin who are in difficult life situations and whose income does not exceed:
- 2,676.50 PLN for a single person living alone,
- 2,180.95 PLN per person in a family.
These criteria are in accordance with the provisions of the Social Assistance Act.
What is included in the food packages?
The food packages provided under the European Funds for Food Aid Program 2021-2027 are not just symbolic support, but tangible products that can help people get through difficult times. Each person qualified for the program receives approximately 30 kg of food, which provides solid support for the household budget.
What do the packages contain?
The packages contain, among other things:
- Dry products: flour, pasta, rice, groats, sugar
- Canned goods and preserves: beans, peas with carrots, tomato paste, canned meat and fish
- Dairy products and fats: UHT milk, cheese, oil
- Additives: jam, honey, cereal coffee
Each of these products is carefully selected to provide balanced and filling meals. With the package, one can prepare both quick everyday dishes and more varied meals for the whole family.
Implementation of the program in Warsaw – the role of Kwitnący Dom
In Warsaw, one of the food aid distribution points is Kwitnący Dom. This is a place that not only distributes food packages but also offers other forms of support. To benefit from the FEPŻ program, you must obtain a referral from the Social Welfare Center (OPS). However, it is important to note that OPS can direct the beneficiary not only to this location but also to another point with which it has an agreement. It doesn’t always have to be Kwitnący Dom, but in such cases, it is usually a place that is simply closer to the beneficiary’s place of residence. However, when obtaining the referral, there is always the possibility to ask about the option of picking up the packages at Kwitnący Dom if it is more convenient for the beneficiary (e.g., due to location or language barriers).
To receive food assistance from the European Funds for Food Aid Program 2021–2027, it is enough to meet the income criteria and at least one of the conditions specified in the Social Assistance Act – for example, unemployment, illness, disability, having children, or being a person with refugee or migration experience. Based on this, the Social Welfare Center (OPS) is obligated to issue a referral, which entitles the beneficiary to pick up the food packages. This referral is not discretionary – if you meet the conditions, you are entitled to the help. If you face a refusal, ask for it in writing – OPS is obligated to justify the negative decision. It is worth fighting for this because a written refusal provides the possibility of an appeal and the right to pursue your claims if you meet the criteria.
