Yucatan’s state government launches a food security program in Mérida’s incorporated areas known as comisarias.
The program will offer nutritional support to 150,000 families, many of whom are struggling due to COVID-19 related job losses.
Yucatán Gov. Mauricio Vila Dosal supervised as residents signed up for the government program, which offers each family a carton of 24 eggs and a whole chicken.
There are growing concerns that the economic fallout from COVID-19 is resulting in an ever-worsening economic situation for many in Yucatán.
Government statistics say the COVID-19 pandemic has cost Yucatán approximately 30,000 jobs. However, the number is likely much higher, as government statistics only account for formal employment, which represents only 40% of total jobs.
Earlier: Jobs in Yucatan will return to pre-pandemic levels in 2 years, says labor secretary
“I have a small business, but I have not been able to work reliably for months because of the pandemic. I really appreciate this help and hope the government keeps an eye on how things are going here,” said María Azucena of Mérida´s comisaria of San José Tzal.
The program includes 25 of Merida’s comisarias including San Antonio Hool, Opichén and Texán.
Yucatán’s social development agency, Sedesol, is also offering nutritional support, in the form of corn, to 224,000 families in 75 municipalities.
