EU's food charity program's funding will not be cut

The EU decided not to cut funding for a program that has helped feed the continent’s poorest citizens for the last 25 years. As the economic downturn drags on, more people have begun asking for help.

About 70 families show up every week to a food distribution center in the west of Paris. They receive staples like pasta, milk, meat and canned goods. Fatima Belhassi, who immigrated to France from Morocco 20 years ago, comes here once a month. Due to rising energy bills and a divorce, she says she can no longer feed her three children on a cleaning woman's salary.

A combine harvests wheatEurope's food surplus has shrunk in recent years”We get even more than food here,” Belhassi said. “They help you mentally, they help with paper work, and they give you a lot of support.”