Brazil Advances Social Assistance and Food Security with Bolsa Família Payments and Cruzeiro do Sul’s Brasil sem Fome Commitment
Brazil disburses Bolsa Família payments to millions while Cruzeiro do Sul formalizes its commitment to combat food insecurity through Brasil sem Fome.
- • Caixa Econômica Federal paid May Bolsa Família benefits to 19.08 million families, totaling R$ 12.9 billion.
- • Average Bolsa Família benefit increased to R$ 678.01 with additional payments for mothers, children, and pregnant women.
- • Early payments were made in 217 cities affected by adverse weather, including drought-hit Rio Grande do Norte.
- • Cruzeiro do Sul formalized adhesion to the Brasil sem Fome program, planning community gardens and solidarity kitchens by June 10.
Key details
On May 28, Caixa Econômica Federal disbursed the May installment of Brazil’s Bolsa Família program to beneficiaries with NIS ending in 9. This month, 19.08 million families are set to receive total payments of R$ 12.9 billion. The minimum benefit remains at R$ 600, but average payouts have increased to R$ 678.01 due to supplemental awards including R$ 50 for mothers of infants, pregnant women, and children aged 7 to 18, and up to R$ 150 per child under six years old. Payments occur during the last ten business days of each month through the Caixa Tem app, with early payments already made in 217 cities, particularly benefiting drought-affected areas like Rio Grande do Norte. Beneficiaries of Seguro Defeso, who rely on artisanal fishing during restricted periods, no longer face deductions as mandated by Law 14.601/2023. Furthermore, approximately 2.26 million families enjoy a protection rule allowing them to receive partial benefits if they find employment, though this transitional support will shorten starting in 2025.
Simultaneously, the Acre government formalized Cruzeiro do Sul’s participation in the Brasil sem Fome protocol, reinforcing the municipality’s role in the National System of Food and Nutritional Security (Sisan). Key initiatives include establishing community gardens and solidarity kitchens aimed at combating food insecurity. A detailed work plan and agreements are expected by June 10, following a collaborative meeting involving the Secretary of Social Assistance and Human Rights and the Intersectoral Chamber of Food and Nutritional Security (Caisan). Cruzeiro do Sul’s mayor has signed the adhesion term, signaling commitment to integrated municipal actions among social assistance, health, education, and food security sectors to ensure adequate nutrition and address social inequalities.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
