FEAD 2018 Catalogue of case studies

Slovenia – Hope for the elderly, sick and lonely Caritas Slovenia Images © Dmitry Martianov, Shutterstock.com, 2018 WHY? Collecting food aid from designated distribution points is not an easy task for vulnerable individuals, particularly if they live in rural areas. It’s especially problematic for disabled, ill or elderly people, as they are generally unable to leave their homes . In order to ensure that these individuals aren’t excluded from FEAD support services, Caritas Slovenia aims to personally provide them with food aid. WHAT? Out of every 1 000 FEAD aid recipients, at least 80 people receive food parcel directly to their homes. Caritas employees or volunteers visit these individuals twice a year. Additionally, disadvantaged people are invited to gatherings where they can worship and socialise once per year. These visits and events are opportunities to find out who needs what kind of help. HOW? As a result of providing FEAD food aid, Caritas Slovenia has been able to identify a wide range of individuals in need of support. These people generally have a low income; live under the poverty threshold; are elderly, sick or disabled; or live 10 or more kilometres away from distribution points and don’t have their own modes of transportation. It should be mentioned that each food parcel is personalised to the needs of the individual receiving them. The parcels are prepared at the distribution point and consist of basic FEAD food items, as well as additional items such as food specific to a certain diet (e.g. gluten free), hygienic material, clothing and personal items. Diverse approaches to supporting Europe’s most deprived: FEAD case studies 2018 54