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Food aid

Food aid

People who are struggling due to low or no income are eligible for food aid.

There are many options to receive food aid:

  • European Union ESF + food aid supported by fund resources (Rimi food card and donated food aid)
  • soup kitchen

Food card

The state has partnered with the Rimi retail chain in providing food aid. Providing food aid is financially supported by funding from the European Social Fund (ESF+).

 

The food card is available to individuals who have received the subsistence benefit or social benefit based on income within a period set by the Ministry of Social Affairs. The food card is not applied for separately, as it is provided alongside the aforementioned benefits if a social worker has deemed it necessary.

 

A set amount of money is loaded onto the food card for each person every quarter (30 euros in 2023). One food card is issued per family, and the entire household’s support benefits are loaded onto it. The benefit must be used within the quarter, as any remaining funds will not carry over to the next quarter. The food card cannot be used to purchase tobacco products, alcohol or lottery tickets.

You can read more about the food card on the Ministry of Social Affairs website.

Donated food aid

Alongside the food card, people in need are offered donated food aid, which is collected and distributed throughout the year by the Food Bank.

Donated food aid is available to individuals facing financial difficulties. Their eligibility is assessed by a social worker. Donated food aid can be received during the assessment month and the following three months. If assistance is needed beyond this period, a social worker will reassess the situation.

 

To receive food aid, you need to contact the social welfare department of the city district where you are registered according to the Population Register. They will assess your need for aid.

Soup kitchen

Soup kitchens are meant for people who do not have sufficient means to ensure food for themselves or their families. The purpose of this service is to ensure a warm meal for everyone in need.

JK Taverni soup kitchen at Pae 19/1, Lasnamäe, provides on-site eating and takeaway soup. A hot meal at the soup kitchen is available every day from 12.00 - 15.00 (0.5 litres of soup and 100 grams of bread). Takeaway soup is available every day from 13.00 - 15.00 (or as long as there is soup left). The person has to have a personal dish for takeaway meal.

Occasionally, soup kitchen visitors are also offered free sanitary products (such as toothbrushes and toothpastes).

In addition, the following places offer on-site eating based on their own initiative: 

  • Salvation Army Estonia’s Social Rehabilitation Centre Hope House (Laevastiku 1a). The soup kitchen is open from 11:00 - 13:30 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. 
  • The new soup kitchen of Salvation Army Estonia's centre Hope (Katusepapi 23) is open from 12.00 - 15.00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  
  • The following non-profit organisations offer soup, sandwiches and coffee in the parking lot at the corner of Tallinn Central Market, Lastekodu and Torupilli: Tänavatöö (Street Work) from 7.00 - 10.00 on Fridays, Uue Alguse Abikeskus (New Beginning Help Centre) from 7.00 - 9.00 on Saturdays, Elav Iisrael (Living Israel) from 9.00 - 10.00 on Sundays