Food stamps around the world: how does it work abroad?
A solution, new for independent Ukraine, but old for the world, to introduce product coupons may be effective, but it may lead to corruption risks and an additional burden on the "middle class."
What is the problem?
In Ukraine, prices for everything are rising rapidly: utilities, electricity, water, and food prices are rising; all provoked by a sharp rise in gas prices. In connection with the coming inflation in the new year, Adviser to the President of Ukraine Oleh Ustenko predicted an increase in food prices by another 10-20%; for some segments of the population, the amount spent only on food may become unaffordable.
What is the solution?
The authorities decided to support the population financially, using the old solution, which people remember since Soviet times, "food stamps." Ustenko said that in this way the state wanted to support the most vulnerable. They may also introduce additional payments that compensate for rising food prices, but so far the primary focus is on "food stamps."
The system proposed by Ustenko will work similarly to the YePidtrymka program, but the exact form of product checks is not yet clear. These may be additional payments to compensate for rising prices and introducing food stamps in the Diia system.
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