SAO PAULO (Reuters) – The Brazilian minister of social development told news outlet DW that a potential adjustment to the country’s cash transfer program Bolsa Familia is “on the table,” according to an interview published on Friday.
Minister Wellington Dias said discussion on the matter comes as food prices have been rising in Latin America’s largest economy and a decision would be made by March, according to the interview.
The Finance Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent by Reuters.
Bolsa Familia, a more than 20-year-old program, provides direct cash transfers to the poorest households at an annual cost of 166.3 billion reais ($28.7 billion) estimated for this year.
It reaches around 20.5 million families with an average monthly benefit of about 674 reais, according to January data.
A readjustment would come as President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva voices concerns over rising food prices in Brazil amid a decline of his popularity.
($1 = 5.7927 reais)
(Reporting by Andre Romani; additional reporting by Marcela Ayres in Brasilia)
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