Gwangju City to Provide 4 Billion Won in 'Agri-Food Vouchers' for Vulnerable Groups

100,000 KRW Per Month...
Applications Accepted at Local Administrative Welfare Centers and Other Locations

Agricultural and Food Voucher Program Poster. Provided by Gwangju City

Gwangju City announced on the 17th that it will officially launch the 'Agri-food Voucher Program' this year, which issues and supports cards for vulnerable groups to purchase fresh agricultural products.

The Agri-food Voucher Program is a system designed to support balanced diets for vulnerable groups and promote sustainable consumption of agricultural products. It was first introduced as a pilot project in 2020 in cities such as Sejong and has been expanding nationwide starting this year.

The city will invest 4 billion KRW in the program, providing agri-food vouchers to households receiving livelihood benefits (with a standard median income of 32% or less) that include pregnant women, infants, or children under the age of 18. Each household will receive a voucher of 100,000 KRW per month for a family of four, with the amount adjusted according to the number of household members, for up to 10 months (March to December).

The agri-food voucher card is issued in the form of an electronic card that can be used to purchase seven categories of products: domestically produced vegetables, fruits, meat, fresh eggs, white milk, grains, and tofu products. It can be used at designated stores such as Nonghyup Hanaro Mart, GS25 convenience stores, and online shopping malls (including Nonghyup Mall).

Applications can be made starting from the 17th by visiting the local administrative welfare center at the applicant's registered address, through the Agri-food Voucher website, or by calling the automated response system (ARS). In cases where additional verification is needed, such as for proxy applicants or pregnant women, supporting documents must be brought for in-person application.

Nam Taeksong, Director of the Agricultural and Animal Policy Division, said, "We will do our best to ensure that vulnerable groups can secure high-quality food and to establish a sustainable agri-food distribution system through the Agri-food Voucher Program."