Italy’s 2026 “Dedicata a te” food card becomes operational on November 4, providing €500 to around 1.1 million families. The beneficiaries were selected by the National Social Security Institute (INPS) and municipalities from households with an ISEE below €15,000, according to the report.
The money will be loaded onto cards held by existing beneficiaries. People receiving a card for the first time must collect it at a post office. The contribution can be used to buy a broad range of food products, but not alcoholic beverages. The report says fuel purchases are excluded for the 2026 and 2027 editions.
The scheme involves the ministries of Economy, Labour and Social Policies, and Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, alongside INPS and the National Association of Italian Municipalities (ANCI). Federdistribuzione has also promised cardholders an additional 15% discount.
The Initiative is intended to support food products, particularly those from Italian supply chains. The report says about 90% of beneficiaries over time have chosen Italian-made food products. Since the programme began, €2.7 billion has been allocated to it.
Sources: Il Sole 24 Ore Italia.