Argentina, Food Assistance demand increased to 11 million people

The Argentine government said Tuesday that the number of people requesting food assistance has increased following the government lockdown to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, leaving some unable to work.

"The demand for food assistance increased from 8 million people to 11 million people," said Daniel Arroyo, the country's Minister of Social Development.

Arrollo visited the San Cayetano church of Priest Jose "Pepe" Di Paola, known for his work in impoverished neighbourhoods.

From early morning, people queued in the rain outside the church to process their documents to receive government help.

Inside the church, volunteers cooked a giant pasta with stew to serve at noon.

With a poverty rate of more than 35% according to the latest official figures, many people in Argentina are struggling to make ends meet, so a number of people have resorted to soup kitchens.

Priest Di Paola said the desperate situation for millions of people proves that Pope Francis criticism of the current economic system is right.

Outside, standing in the line, Miguel Fernandez, a father of four, 27-year old fruit vendor, said that the pandemic had left him jobless.

In Argentina, the coronavirus has infected 966 people and killed 24.

In most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that disappear in two to three weeks.

But in some people, especially older adults and those with underlying health conditions, it can lead to more serious illness and even death.