Brasília, 7/5/2004 (Agência Brasil) - Minister of Social Development and Hunger Combat, Patrus Ananias, has announced the signing of 105 contracts with state governors and local authorities, worth US$13.8 million (R$42 million). The funds will be used for social action programs around the country, such as implanting low-cost community restaurants, community gardens and kitchens, food banks, school bakeries, plant nurseries, apiculture and the construction of cisterns.

For the construction of the restaurants, 27 contracts were signed worth over US$4.9 million (R$15 million).

For the construction of cisterns in the semi-arid Northeast region, US$5.2 million (R$16 million). A total of 11,000 cisterns should be built. That will be in addition to another 25,500 cisterns being built as part of another program (ASA) to assist that region which is frequently hit by drought.

Ananias also announced that the family farm program will be buying local produce in 34 municipals in 7 states. That program will spend US$953,000 (R$2.9 million). Another US$1.7 million (R$5.4 million) will be spent on community gardens throughout the state of Goiás, and 17 other muncipalities around the country.

As for community kitchens, US$81,800 (R$249,000) will be used to build eleven of them in five muncipalities. The minister also announced UD$493,000 (R$1.5 million) for 17 food banks.

(Translator: Allen Bennett)