‘Help people survive, not starve’ – Russian charity tests new virtual food card to help victims of coronavirus economic hardship

A new benefit card

A new benefit card is being rolled out in some Russian cities, aimed at helping people buy food when their income has been reduced by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The initiative, launched by the ‘Rus’ charitable fund and the Krasnodar-based Magnit chain of stores, will offer shoppers up to 1,000 points each month to spend on groceries. The scheme has also received support from President Vladimir Putin’s All-Russian Popular Front political coalition. The initial roll-out has taken place in St Petersburg, in Vladimir, near Moscow, and in the southern city of Rostov.

Continue reading https://on.rt.com/av33