Policy Address

Food Assistance

68.     Surging food prices have created a financial strain for many low-income earners.  I announced in July that we would enhance short-term food assistance services to individuals in dire need, with $100 million earmarked for the Social Welfare Department to work with non-profit-making organisations to offer additional food assistance.  This additional support service will provide immediate and direct aid to all needy individuals and families, including new arrivals, single parent families, individuals and families in need of emergency relief, street sleepers, and needy individuals who have not benefited from our relief measures over the past year.  We will submit our proposals to the Finance Committee for approval as soon as possible.

69.     We will call upon district organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to proactively get in touch with needy individuals who have not benefited from our relief measures over the past year to see if they need further assistance.  We will also step up publicity on the food assistance initiatives for this group, in particular tenants of bedspace apartments, cubicle apartments and rooftop structures.

 

Contents | Next