The Finnish Red Cross continues its efforts to offer material aid payment cards and comprehensive support

The operations of the Material Aid and Inclusivity project of the Finnish Red Cross will be continued. The new project will run until the end of 2027. The project supports low-income people by distributing material aid payment cards and offering comprehensive support. 

The new project will distribute a total of 28,000 material aid payment cards during 2026–2027.

A payment card is worth 40 euros and can be used in grocery stores to purchase groceries and basic necessities, such as nappies, detergents and tissue paper.

“We want to treat the people seeking help with respect and provide them with not only payment cards but also support and activities that strengthen inclusion. Depending on the location, we offer communal meals, financial and health advice, opportunities for discussion, and referrals to other services, among other things,” says Katriina Lehtovaara, a specialist in supporting inclusion from the Finnish Red Cross.

Payment cards and support are available in more than 100 locations

The local branches of the Finnish Red Cross organise activities and distribution of payment cards all over Finland. The payment cards are distributed in cooperation with partners, such as social services and other organisations, and as part of other food aid activities by the Finnish Red Cross. The people seeking help are always met in person.

The new Material Aid and Inclusivity 2026–2027 project will distribute material aid payment cards and provide comprehensive support in more than 100 locations around Finland. There are around 1,300 Finnish Red Cross volunteers involved in the project.

The payment cards are intended for low-income people who are in acute or prolonged financial distress, and they are funded by the European Social Fund Plus. The material aid is part of the measures under the Innovation and Skills in Finland 2021–2027 programme. 

“We are hearing from volunteers at our local branches that there is an increasing need for food aid. This is a financially difficult time for many, and more and more people are falling into financial distress. There are a limited number of payment cards available, so unfortunately only some of those who need aid can receive one through us. However, we also offer other food aid to support people’s ability to cope,” Lehtovaara points out.

A list of food aid events is available at foodaid.fi.

The Finnish Red Cross has been distributing payment cards since autumn 2023

The first Material Aid and Inclusivity project of the Finnish Red Cross was launched in 2023, and the first payment cards were distributed in autumn 2023. In addition to the new project now being launched, the Material Aid and Inclusivity project for 2025–2026 is still ongoing. 

So far, the Finnish Red Cross has distributed around 109,000 payment cards to people with a low income.

The grant amount awarded to the Finnish Red Cross’s Material Aid and Inclusivity 2026–2027 project is €1,280,000. Of this amount, €1,122,808 will be spent on the payment cards to help people with a low income, €78,596 will be spent on the organisation of the project’s inclusive activities and €78,596 will be spent on administrative costs, in accordance with the project decision.

The Finnish Red Cross also offers other food aid activities to support people’s survival and inclusion. A list of food aid events is available at foodaid.fi.

Frequently asked questions about payment cards

Who can get a payment card? 

The material aid payment cards are intended for low-income people who are in acute or prolonged financial distress.   

There are a limited number of payment cards available, so unfortunately only some of those who need aid can receive one. In a situation where there are more people in need than there are cards available, our policy is to prioritise aid to those who are in the most vulnerable situation.

However, the Finnish Red Cross also offers other food aid activities to support people’s survival. For more information on food aid events organised by the Finnish Red Cross in your area, please visit foodaid.fi. 

Where and how can you get a payment card? 

Finnish Red Cross branches identify beneficiaries and distribute the payment cards. Some of the cards are distributed in cooperation with partners, such as social services. 

We always meet the people seeking help in person.

There are a limited number of payment cards available, so unfortunately there are not always enough cards for everyone. 

You can find the locations where the cards will be distributed in the updating list available here.

How much is a payment card worth?  

It is worth 40 euros.  

What products can you buy with a payment card?  

You can use a payment card to buy food and basic necessities (such as nappies, detergents and tissue paper) in S Group or K Group grocery stores.

You cannot use the card to buy alcohol, tobacco or Veikkaus products or gift vouchers. It is also not exchangeable for cash.

How long is the payment card valid for?

A payment card is valid for about two months. You will be informed about the card’s validity period when you receive it, and it is written on the card.

The balance of the card is reset to zero after the expiry date.

If there is any unused balance on the card, it will be redistributed through payment cards issued later.

Can you only pay once with the card?

You can use the card multiple times during its validity period until the value stored on it runs out.

Where can you pay with the card?

You can pay with the payment cards at Kesko and S Group grocery stores.

The grocery store chain where you can use the card is written on the card.

The payment cards can be used throughout Finland, excluding the Åland Islands.