Momentum Speaks Out On World Food Day: Economic Growth Means Nothing If Families Can’t Afford Food

On World Food Day, the political party Momentum, led by Arnold Cassola, has voiced serious concern that despite record levels of economic growth, rising GDP, and falling unemployment, more Maltese families are struggling to afford basic food and essentials.

Official statistics confirm that the problem is worsening. According to government data, more than 17,500 families were eligible for food assistance under the state-funded Food Distribution Scheme in 2023 — a significant increase compared to previous years. Meanwhile, food bank organisations continue to report distributing hundreds of food parcels each week to people in urgent need across Malta and Gozo.

In 2023, 17% of Malta’s population — nearly 90,000 people — were living in or at risk of poverty. At the same time, the cost of a typical family food pack has continued to rise year on year.

“These figures are deeply troubling,” said Momentum General Secretary Mark Camilleri Gambin. “While Malta’s GDP continues to increase, the reality for too many families is one of financial strain and uncertainty. The success of a country cannot be measured solely by its economic figures, but by whether its people can live with dignity.”

Momentum stressed that food insecurity is one of the clearest indicators of inequality and social exclusion.

“Many of Momentum’s policies focus on ensuring that no one is left behind,” Camilleri Gambin added. “No one in Malta should ever have to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table. That is why we have proposed a Decent Minimum Living Wage of €360 per week.”

The party reiterated its commitment to building a fairer and more inclusive Malta, where economic progress goes hand in hand with social justice, dignity, and opportunity for all.

Momentum also drew attention to Malta’s heavy reliance on food imports, with around 80% of food now coming from abroad.

The statement read, “Supporting our farmers and protecting our agricultural land has never been more urgent.”

In a separate message shared on social media, Momentum wrote, “Malta’s agricultural fields are more than just land. They are our lifeline. Every time agricultural land is turned into urban projects, we lose part of our food security, our heritage, and our natural landscape. Once it is gone, it is gone forever.

Let us stand together to protect Malta’s farmland for our farmers, our environment, and for future generations.”

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