The Regional Secretariat for Social Solidarity conveyed to the Secretary of State of Social Solidarity and Social Security, Agostinho Branquinho, the concern on the requirement and the scope of the implementation of the Emergency Food Programme (PEA), whose funds are exclusively intended to finance social canteens.

Piedade Lalanda emphasised the importance of a budget amendment to the funds available to PEA in order to "reinforce the direct support to families facing severe difficulties."

Speaking at the end of the meeting held in Lisbon, the Regional Secretary stressed that the National Government has acknowledged the relevance of this issue, taking into consideration "the existence of a surplus for the Emergency Food Programme at national level."

"In Mainland Portugal, the funds allocated to social canteens have not been fully used and it is not expected that the remaining funds be used by the end of the year," stressed Piedade Lalanda. The government official added that the National Government has shown "interest in transferring these funds to another support measure for families, which is what the Region is requesting."

Despite the National Government's "willingness" to transfer part of the surplus funds to the direct support to families, it was noted that there are "some legal constraints that prevent this transfer," since the funds were assigned to social canteens.

The PEA provides the establishment of protocols with entities that are already equipped with industrial kitchens, limited to the maximum amount of 2.5 Euros per meal. In addition, the protocols do not provide the hiring of additional human resources for the preparation of meals or the use of a catering system.
 
This is a response aimed at families with serious food shortages that are not covered by other forms of food aid, such as the Food Bank.

During the meeting, several themes were addressed, including the Food Aid for the Needy programme and the European Aid Fund for Most Deprived. Piedade Lalanda questioned the National Government about the existence of an alternative if European funds are no available in January 2014.

"There is not a clear idea of how this fund will be in operation at a national level. Probably, these guidelines or clarifications will be provided by the end of the year," stressed the government official.

The reduction of funds for cooperation agreements with Private Social Solidarity Institutions under the amendment to the Social Security Budget for the Autonomous Region of the Azores in 2013 was another matter under analysis at the meeting. Once again, the Regional Government requested the return of the amounts allocated in 2012 and that the reality of the Azorean archipelago be taken into consideration. These matters will be now analysed by the National Government.