Food Assistance Demand Increases as NSPA Disburses MVR 25,720 to 700 People
Local Market in Male city | Photo: MV+
The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) reported that 700 people received a total of MVR 25,720 in financial aid for food purchases last month, with the number of individuals seeking assistance increasing in August as poverty pressures persisted.
The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) reported that 700 people received a total of MVR 25,720 in financial aid for food purchases last month, with the number of individuals seeking assistance increasing in August as poverty pressures persisted.
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In comparison, 697 individuals benefited from the scheme in June and July of the previous year, with MVR 25,600 distributed during that period. The aid, provided under the Social Security Act, enables low-income households to obtain essential commodities such as flour, sugar, and rice.
Each person is allocated MVR 40 per month, with a maximum of MVR 240 available per household. To qualify, applicants must be Maldivian citizens with incomes below the threshold defined by NSPA regulations.
The figures were published as the Maldives continued to experience rising food prices. Statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics show that in Malé, the cost of essential commodities rose by 1.19 percent between July and August this year, and by 1.92 percent compared to August last year.
Food prices increased by 1.62 percent month-on-month, while year-on-year they rose by two percent. Fruits recorded the steepest rise, with a 6.13 percent increase from July to August and a 10.2 percent rise compared to the previous year.
In response to the inflationary pressures, the government has expanded bulk food imports through the State Trading Organization (STO). This month, the government has mandated STO to import 23 food items, including fruits and vegetables, with Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed stating that prices are projected to fall by 15 percent next month.
The aid, provided under the Social Protection Act (2/2014), enables low-income households to obtain essential commodities such as rice, flour, and sugar through the Food Assistance Program, a targeted conditional cash transfer scheme for vulnerable populations.
Each person is allocated MVR 40 per month, with a maximum of MVR 240 available per household. Applicants must be Maldivian citizens with incomes below the threshold defined by NSPA regulations.
To apply for the allowance, individuals must complete the Food Assistance Program Application Form and submit it along with the required documents to NSPA. Application forms are available at NSPA counters, island and atoll councils, or can be downloaded from the NSPA website.
Forms can be submitted to the NSPA Front Office at Mookai Suites (4th Floor) on weekdays from 8:00am to 2:00pm, to island councils, or via email to info@nspa.gov.mv.
