The number of inhabitants of Hódmezővásárhely is 42,810, of which 7,821 are under the age of 18. Last year, 323 children were born in the town. The number of children and the performance of the municipality’s child welfare and child protection tasks were discussed at the regular general meeting in April.
Last year, 358 people received a regular child protection discount
Last year, 358 minors and 7 adults in 174 families benefited from regular child protection discounts in the city, i.e. a total of 365. 195 of them are disadvantaged or cumulatively disadvantaged. In the report, it was established that the number of people receiving child protection benefits decreases every year in Vásárhely. While in 2019, for example, 680 minors and 18 adults in 331 families were helped with this form of care, this number was already reduced to 276 families in 2021, including 604 minors and 17 adults, and last year’s data were described above. Experts see the reason for the decrease in the fact that the mini ball salary has increased and employment has also increased. Another reason for the decrease in 2023 is that the government has introduced the possibility of almost completely free meals in daycare centers and kindergartens.
Those in need receive a one-time child protection grant in August and November. Last year, the municipality paid out more than four and a half million forints for this purpose.
136 children received hot food for 30 days in the summer
As in previous years, the municipality organized a collection for summer children’s meals in Vásárhely last year, so that more children could be included in this circle in addition to the state norm. Thanks to the donations, 136 children between the ages of six and 14 receiving a regular child protection discount received a hot meal once a day for 30 days at Vásárhely. The cost of this was almost HUF 4 million. And 213 children were able to take advantage of the children’s holiday meals, also at a total value of about HUF 4 million, which was financed by the state from the central budget.
The children’s Christmas was organized last year as well. Those receiving regular child protection benefits received a voucher worth HUF 12,000. Last year, 1,524 families turned to the municipality for help. Of these, 172 requests were rejected, and in 69 cases, a decision was made to grant immediate approval. Among the applicants, 112 families applied to the municipality for the first time.
Pensioners had to apply for the subsidy
Pensioners over the age of 65 were supported with HUF 15,000, whose pension did not exceed HUF 142,500. Last year, for the first time, people living on a pension of less than HUF 100,000 were supported with HUF 22,500. 1,227 received HUF 15,000 and 361 received HUF 22,500 if they applied for it at the municipality.
Only in relation to the care of children, support was established in 15 cases, in the amount of HUF 820,000. The parents primarily asked for help in purchasing glasses and medical aids.
Thanks to the application of the Magyar Élélmiszerbank Egyesület, on Monday in Mindszent and on Friday in Székkutas, the needy were provided with baked goods, vegetables and fruit. Almost 40 families were helped with the daily distribution. In 2023, almost 690 people in small regions and outlying regions received regular food donations. The number of people receiving daily allowances was increased by helping families who fled Ukraine.
