NBG signs deal for cards to buy food

The government is planning to issue a special card to 150,000 citizens through National Bank of Greece which they will be able to use to purchase food as part of a new program to help the poor designed by the Labor Ministry.

The agreement between the lender and ministry for the issue and management of the state-sponsored card for food purchases was signed on Thursday, in the presence of National Bank Governor Louka Katseli.

Minister Panos Skourletis hailed the agreement as a crucial step in the implementation of the government?s campaign to combat the effects of the crisis and passed as part of the so-called ?humanitarian law.?

The deadline for applications to the food program is May 20. The ministry has also signed contracts with over 5,000 stores across the country where card users will be able to obtain food.