Istat notes that in 2020 the absolute poor were one million more than 2019.
Reading the data, taken from Istat report on fair and sustainable well-being (Bes), relating to the year of Covid, we realize how absolute poverty has grown.
Let's talk about 5,6 millions of people living in our country.
Of course, the data must be read in relation to other and diversified living conditions of individuals (the situation is different for a homeowner without a mortgage and a subsidy, compared to someone who lives in a big city with a wife and children, single-income and with the rent to be paid).
But the fact remains that, in generale, Istat data in the last quarter 2020 report a decrease in disposable income for consumption but also a decrease in purchasing power.
It is easy to notice in fact a generalized increase in goods and services: the price of gasoline for one thing, but also in the local markets by reading the prices well.
Many merchants have raised their prices to offset the bank charges on payments by credit / debit cards which have increased due to the State cashback that pushes consumers to use them.
Also the Censis tells us that three out of ten families have suffered a reduction in income “The impact of the pandemic on the income of Italian families was significant, but it was distributed in a different way, above all in relation to the restrictions on production activities imposed by the measures to contain the contagion.”
The consequence of all this is the increase in the number of people in difficulty who turn to Associations and NGOs to have at least the food supply. Browsing their sites it is easy to find the list of the most suitable basic necessities to donate. Among the most suitable:
- Homogenized
- Tuna and canned meat
- Pasta and rice
- Long-life milk and packaged biscuits
He holds the generosity of the Italians!
The boxes full of products at the entrances of supermarkets during Solidarity days which are taking place more and more in times of pandemics in our country, they highlight how Italians show themselves to be in solidarity and work hard to give to those in difficulty.
Alex Gaetani
Readings to find out more: