Electronic Food Certificates Proposed to Support Vulnerable Citizens
The Russian State Duma is considering a new bill to introduce electronic food certificates for low-income citizens. This initiative, proposed by a parliamentary group, could be implemented within six months if approved by the government. The concept of food stamps, cards, or certificates for the needy has been explored for years, but previous attempts to establish such state support programs have failed. The question remains: will this attempt succeed?
Paper food coupons are a thing of the past, associated by older generations with long queues and empty shelves. Today`s retail stores offer abundant products, but not everyone can afford adequate nutrition. According to Rosstat, in the first quarter of 2025, 11.9 million people, or 8.1% of the population, lived below the poverty line, lacking sufficient funds for food – a number comparable to the entire population of Moscow.
Deputies propose issuing plastic cards to eligible individuals, loaded with a specific sum – 30% of the regional subsistence minimum. This amounts to approximately 6,000 rubles per month, based on a national average of 17,733 rubles for 2025 and 18,939 rubles projected for 2026. These funds would be strictly earmarked for food purchases, excluding alcohol or other non-essential items.
Eligibility for these cards requires permanent residency in Russia and an income below the regional subsistence minimum. If the government approves the initiative, the program could be launched in 180 days.
The crucial question is whether the government will agree. The idea of food assistance for the poor dates back to the early 2000s, reappearing periodically without concrete implementation. Given the current budget deficit and the «planned» slowdown of the Russian economy, this might not be the most opportune time to delve deeper into federal coffers.
Vladimir Chernov, an analyst at Freedom Finance Global, calculated that «payments of 30% of the subsistence minimum amount to approximately 5,682 rubles per person per month. If this is multiplied by 11.9 million recipients, it totals about 67.6 billion rubles per month, or 811 billion rubles per year. This will be a substantial burden on the budget, especially considering the need for funds for verification, support, distribution, and control systems. Authorities will be forced to either reallocate funds from other programs or increase borrowing. With average inflation and rising prices, the budget burden could increase annually.»
However, Pyotr Shelishch, co-chairman of the Russian Consumers` Union, believes the proposed electronic certificate program for low-income citizens has merit.
Will the government find the money to implement such a program?
There is, in fact, plenty of money in the budget – trillions of rubles. It`s about prioritizing spending. If social expenditures are seen as a guarantee of societal stability, the government will find the necessary funds. There might be shortfalls for other projects, but money for social obligations to citizens is certainly available.
But what would compel the government to spend this money specifically on food for the low-income?
I`d like to remind you that our subsistence minimum is significantly lower than in some European countries, which is not something to be proud of. It`s also worth noting that implementing these certificates would positively impact not only low-income Russians but also domestic producers and farmers, as the goods must be domestically produced. Retail reports indicate that 90% of products in stores today are Russian, though imports are also present.
I would also include large families among the recipients of state support, where one working adult supports many dependents. Feeding such a large family on an average salary is quite challenging.
Is approximately 6,000 rubles per month for food not too little?
One has to start somewhere. The most critical issue is how to administer the process. Both those who need assistance and those who do not might apply, requiring extensive verification. Perhaps, initially, the program should target not all 10-11 million needy individuals, but only those currently receiving housing subsidies. They are already identified and have special accounts. If everyone is to be checked, the administrative costs might exceed the total payouts.
Will special stores be needed for participants of this program?
No, nothing special is needed. The approximate 6,000 rubles will be transferred to a plastic card, and people can buy whatever food products they wish. There`s talk now of a specific list: potatoes are allowed, for example, but sweets are not. I am not a supporter of such an approach. The main thing is that the products should be domestically produced.
