Basic Food Basket: how to apply for the benefit and where to buy!

Many families are in a financial situation that ends up being classified as vulnerable.

Therefore, it is important that there is assistance that can help these people so that they continue to have opportunities to seek better conditions for their family.

And with that, we enter an important topic, Basic food basket: how to request the benefit.

Many people may not know what basic food baskets are because they have never needed one. However, the regulation of basic food baskets is relatively old.

After all, the regulation took place on April 30, 1938, decree nº 399. The basic basket is a list of products that are considered essential for feeding individuals for at least one month. 

The products that make up the basic basket are: rice, milk, beans, meat, flour, tomatoes, bread, coffee, bananas, oil, sugar, butter and potatoes.

In addition, some stores also include other products on this list, such as hygiene products. After all, hygiene is also an essential factor in everyone's lives. 

How much does a basic food basket cost?

As for the cost of a basic food basket, we have values that can vary according to which products are included in the kit. After all, as we said, some establishments add items beyond the 13 considered mandatory by the Federal Government. In addition, the brands of the products also influence the final price of the basic food basket.

However, we also need to take into account that we have had some economic disruptions in recent years that have influenced product prices. In other words, the vast majority of essential products have seen their prices increase since 2020. You should know that the main reason for this was the COVID-19 pandemic.

Food, in particular, has seen a significant increase in value. Many families have started to add much less food to their shopping cart due to the significant increase in value. Unfortunately, this can mean fewer nutrients essential for individual development.

Through social media, it was possible to see that different states are affected by different food prices. As a result, some states saw increases in some products, others saw reductions; some saw more or less reductions than others. Therefore, we will provide data from DIEESE so that you can base yourself on this.

DIEESE data

THE DIEESE (Inter-Union Department of Statistics and Socioeconomic Studies) conducts a survey every month on the National Basic Food Basket Survey. In September, DIEESE reported a price drop in 12 states in Brazil. We have selected some of the places that had the most significant reductions so that you can be informed:

• Recife had a reduction of -3.03%;
• Belém had a reduction of -1.95%;
• Salvador had a reduction of -2.88%;
• Aracaju had a reduction of -3.87%.

However, not everything is perfect: despite the reduction in prices in the previously mentioned places in Brazil, we also saw an increase in prices in other places in Brazil. Check out the list below:

• Campo Grande had an increase of 1.83%;
• São Paulo had an increase of 0.13%;
• Florianópolis had an increase of 0.05%;
• Natal had an increase of 0.14%.

In addition, there is also data regarding which places had the most expensive basic food baskets, which were Florianópolis, Porto Alegre, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, which had values of, respectively, R$746.55; R$743.94; R$750.74 and R$714.14. We had different values when we took into account the North and Northeast, due to the different composition of the basic food baskets. Check out the lowest values recorded:

• Aracaju had a registered value of R$ 518.68;
• João Pessoa had a registered value of R$562.32;
• Salvador had a registered value of R$560.31;
• Recife had a registered value of R$580.01.

What are the most expensive foods?

The value of the foods that make up the basic basket directly influences the final value of the basic basket, obviously. Therefore, knowing which foods have increased in price, assuming the position of more expensive foods, is important to know what the final results of these baskets will be. So, check out some products and their price increases:

• Banana (+1.49%);
• Butter (+1.76%);
• Milk (+1.62%);
• Wheat flour (+4.14%).

Basic food basket by the Government

Previously, Brazilians registered with CadÚnico were entitled to a basic food basket through the National Basic Food Basket program. However, unfortunately, the program was terminated in 2003.

However, the social project did not simply end, it was simply integrated into Bolsa Família, along with other benefits that thousands of Brazilians received.

Do you have the right?

To know if you are eligible, you first have to know some prerequisites, and only if you meet these prerequisites will you have this right.

You must have a monthly family income of up to 3 minimum wages, or a monthly per capita income of ½ minimum wage.

This income not only entitles you to a basic food basket, but also to other benefits aimed at families in vulnerable situations.

However, you need to know that you need to be registered in the Single Registry. This tool is a database used by the Government to identify people at risk.

The Single Registry helps select the people who will receive these aids and benefits.

Where can I buy basic food baskets?

Knowing which websites and stores have the best deals and offers is essential to being able to buy an interesting basic basket.

After all, there will obviously be stores that are priced at an unaffordable price. So, we have selected some stores that you will find interesting so that you can visit them and buy the products you need.

Magazine Luiza

The Magazine Luiza store has grown significantly throughout Brazil through its various sectors. The store also has some interesting advantages for you to buy your basic food baskets through it, such as, for example, payment terms.

If you make your payment using the PIX method, you will receive a discount. However, if you want to pay in installments, you have the option of paying in up to 10 interest-free installments. Prices in this store can range from R$$49.90 to R$$530.00.

Free Market

Mercado Livre has grown at an incredible rate in recent years. After all, the wide variety of products and benefits such as free shipping have attracted a lot of attention.

In addition, there are products with very affordable prices. You can find baskets with prices ranging from R$78.90 to R$275.00.

Extra

Extra is another store that has stood out in this regard. You can divide your purchases at Extra according to your priorities: just food or food and hygiene products. If you only buy food, prices start at R$$93.28. If you buy hygiene products, they can go up to R$$428.72.

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Search well!

We have listed three (03) online stores for you to place your orders. However, you need to pay close attention to whether the quantity and quality of the products you have chosen are ideal. After all, noticing this only after making the purchase can be quite detrimental since your money could perhaps be better spent on another alternative.

Furthermore, it is always important to compare the final price with the prices offered by local markets near where you live. After all, some family-run businesses may offer better prices than these large stores and there is still the possibility of negotiating.