The operation of the new food assistance scheme, the participation of small and medium-sized businesses and the need to bring as many shops as possible across the country on board in good time were discussed on Friday, 16 October 2026, by Social Cohesion and Family Affairs Minister Domna Michailidou and Stavros Kafounis, president of the Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (ESEE).
According to the relevant announcement, the new scheme changes the way food assistance is provided. Instead of receiving pre-determined product distributions, beneficiaries will receive vouchers and choose for themselves the food and essential goods they need, as well as the shops where they will buy them. This reduces the stigma associated with the previous model and gives people greater freedom of choice.
The programme has been allocated €400m in European funding for the next two years. The average monthly voucher is estimated at about €60, while the first payment is expected to reach €1,000 because of the retroactive payments. The aim is to make the payment before Christmas, supporting beneficiaries over the festive period while also boosting trade.
Particular emphasis was placed on simplifying the application process so that even smaller businesses can join the new scheme easily, including those in remote areas and small settlements. ESEE will help inform and mobilise its members and trade associations across the country, with the aim of securing the widest possible participation by businesses.
In this context, ESEE President Stavros Kafounis (pictured) said:
“We are delighted to see this programme for vulnerable groups extending to very small businesses through a simple and accessible process, and reaching every corner of Greece. It is particularly important for social support to be linked to local markets, while giving small businesses the opportunity to participate.
ESEE will help inform the business community so that as many businesses as possible can take advantage of the opportunity to participate in the programme.”
At the meeting, the minister underlined the importance of small and medium-sized businesses taking part and joining the programme in good time, so they can accept the vouchers from the first, increased payment.
Minister Domna Michailidou said:
“We want food assistance to reach people without queues, pre-determined packages or stigma. People will choose for themselves what they need and where to get it. At the same time, we want small and medium-sized businesses to play an active role in the programme, so people can use their vouchers at shops in their neighbourhoods, in cities and villages across the country.
That is why it is important for businesses to join the programme in good time. Because the payments are retroactive, the first payment will be significantly higher, and our aim is to make it before Christmas. This will support people in need while also boosting local markets during the festive period.”
Also attending the meeting was Konstantinos Megaritis, Secretary-General for Social Solidarity and Poverty Reduction, who described efforts to ensure that, provided they are tax-compliant, providers receive the full voucher amount without deductions, making it easier for them to take part in the programme.
Representing ESEE were Dimitris Priftis, director of the Centre for the Development of Greek Commerce (KAELE), and Valia Aranitou, scientific director of ESEE’s Institute of Commerce and Services (INEMY).
Also attending on behalf of the ministry and its supervised bodies were Epameinondas Atsaves, president of OPEKA, and Ioannis Paspalas, head of OPEKA’s managing authority.