National funds will be used for the purchase of food items which will be distributed to thousands of low income families and individuals who used to get EU food packages but are no longer eligible under the new, tighter regulations.

Social Policy Minister Michael Farrugia revealed the scheme in parliament when he answered questions by Anthony Agius Decelis (PL). He said recipients are still being identified.

He said the new scheme would be run in parallel with the EU’s own food distribution scheme.

He said talks are also being held between the government, the church and NGO on the setting up of a food bank which would also assist institutes and homes.

23,000 people used to receive EU food aid in the past. Under the two schemes combined, the number would be far bigger, the minister said.

Dr Farrugia said the government remained committed to reducing the number of people at risk of poverty. Poverty, he said, was not a perception.

He said that family profiling of those who receive social benefits was being made and would be followed by home visits.

People who were fit to work were being given assistance to find jobs so that they could be weaned off social benefits.

People who were found to have abused of social benefits, such as by not declaring their employment, had their benefits stopped.