CAF-funded Alimentar Food Card Helps 2.9 Million Children in Argentina

CAF—development bank of Latin America’s—USD 300-million loan to the Alimentar food card program—which is part of the Support Program to Argentina’s National Plan against hunger—has so far benefited as many as 2.9 million children 0 to 6 years old, as well as pregnant women and disabled persons who also receive benefits from another consolidated social program called the “Universal Child Allocation” (AUH). During his visit to Argentine president Alberto Fernández, CAF executive president Carranza Ugarte announced that his institution will provide an additional USD 300 million this year.

“We are an unconditional ally of Argentina, and we support its strategy of looking after the most vulnerable groups affected by the pandemic through initiatives such as the Alimentar food card and other long-term projects that will improve the well-being and competitiveness of the population,” he said, adding that the bank he helms has approved new projects for as much as USD 958 million, together with nine other operations carried out through 2020 for USD 1.26 billion. “The quick and timely response given to the priorities set by the government, especially in addressing the pandemic and underpinning social programs, will remain one of our main tasks this year,” added Carranza Ugarte.

Argentine president Alberto Fernández, said: “I want to thank CAF for their great help last year, in the form of a USD 300 million loan,” adding that the institution is allocating an additional USD 300 million toward achieving other goals.

Operations approved in 2020 include the Project for the Development and Manufacture of the Second Generation Geostationary Satellite Telecommunications System: ARSAT-SG1 Satellite, which will enable internet access to 900,000 residents in rural areas, mainly in Argentina, but also in Bolivia, Chile and Paraguay. The Infrastructure Development Program in 67 municipalities—home to nearly eight million residents—and the programs “Santa Fe + Conectada” and School Infrastructure Improvement “Back to the Classroom,” are expected to contribute to the deployment of nearly 3,400 kilometers of fiber optics, more than 75,000 square meters of new or revamped school infrastructure, as well as training of 70,000 teachers, benefiting about 80,000 students.

The executive president also stated that CAF plans to approve operations for USD 1 billion in initiatives such as the Alimentar food card program, as well as a project to support agricultural exporting SMEs, and projects related to educational infrastructure, water and sanitation, and transport, among others. Lastly, Carranza Ugarte reiterated the institution’s commitment to technical assistance and knowledge creation to continue providing comprehensive support to Argentines.