EU poverty 'eating into the heart of society'

The amount of food aid distributed to people in Europe by the Red Cross has reached levels not seen since World War II. The economic crisis is putting millions at risk of poverty. Bulgaria and Spain are most affected.

Today, the International Red Cross distributes food aid in almost 20 EU member states as result of rising poverty levels.

In Spain alone, some three million people now depend on help to survive. The Red Cross does not just distribute food aid, but also supports the needy with financial aid to pay rent, water and electricity bills.

 to help the poor.

 

"Even people from the middle class who have lost one or two jobs in their households now need our help," said the spokesperson of the Red Cross, Jose Javier Sanchez Espinosa.

A report by the European Commission suggests that young people, migrants and single parents are most at risk of permanent poverty.

Read more: EU poverty 'eating into the heart of society' | Europe | DW.DE | 13.03.2013