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Sunday May 05, 2024

Argentina’s soup kitchens on brink of collapse from high inflation

A poor Buenos Aires suburb beset by the economic crisis ravaging Argentina

By REUTERS
February 15, 2024
A woman pays for fruits and vegetables at a retail stall of the Central Market of Buenos Aires on February 10, 2023. — AFP
A woman pays for fruits and vegetables at a retail stall of the Central Market of Buenos Aires on February 10, 2023. — AFP

BUENOS AIRES: A week ago, 20 kilograms (44 pounds) of pasta was enough to feed the dozens of families who visit the Sal de la Tierra soup kitchen in Villa Fiorito, a poor Buenos Aires suburb beset by the economic crisis ravaging Argentina.

But with monthly inflation topping 20%, the number of hungry residents has soared. This week, the soup kitchen, which relies on private contributions and volunteer work, had to prepare 30 kg of pasta.