The Ministry of Social Welfare, with a significant delay, completed the distribution of food cards for the needy in the amount of 90 million shekels, the budget for which was received by Shas leader Aryeh Deri as part of coalition negotiations.
Unlike previous distributions, this time the cards were distributed according to new criteria, recognized by the High Court as fair and consistent with the purpose of the project.
Previously, recipients of benefits from the National Insurance Institute received a reduced amount compared to other categories. This time they made up for what they had not received, after which the remaining amount was distributed among everyone who met the criteria in 2023 (84 shekels per adult and 63 shekels per child).
In the coming weeks, 210 million shekels (200 shekels per adult and 150 shekels per child) will be distributed to those who meet the criteria for 2024.
Another 90 million shekels from this budget will be transferred to the food security project of the Ministry of Social Security.
Let us recall that in 2023, “Deri cards” were distributed according to criteria that gave a disproportionate advantage to ultra-Orthodox families.