The Municipality reported an increase in food aid and assistance to homeless people. The phenomenon reflects the social impact of the economic context in the capital of Buenos Aires.
The social situation in La Plata shows signs of sustained deterioration. According to a report from the Secretary of Social DevelopmentIn the last two years, assistance to vulnerable families, soup kitchens and homeless people has increased significantly.
The official document details that food policy became one of the central axes of local management, in a scenario crossed by high levels of poverty. According to INDEC data, 35.2% of the people of La Plata are below the poverty line, while 8% are in a situation of destitution.
In this context, accelerated urban growth and the expansion of popular neighborhoods—about 190 throughout the district—deepen the difficulties in sustaining basic living conditions.
More demand for food and reinforcement of assistance
During 2025, the Municipality assisted 43,920 families through community spaces distributed in 19 locations. In total, more than 1.8 million kilos of food were delivered, in addition to milk and baked goods.
The assistance network includes 658 registered soup kitchens and picnic areas, which function as key points to channel state aid. At the same time, the Alimentar Platense Card was relaunched, aimed at guaranteeing access to basic products.
In general terms, in the last two years more than 3.3 million kilos of food were distributed, consolidating a containment policy against the advance of the crisis.
Increase in homeless people
Another of the most relevant data in the report is the growth in assistance to people experiencing homelessness. Interventions increased from 63,875 in 2024 to 78,475 in 2025, which shows growing demand.
To respond to this problem, the Municipality implemented Social Integration Centers that operate 24 hours a day, with accommodation, food and health care services. In addition, territorial teams were reinforced and operations were expanded during the winter.
The report concludes that the increase in assistance does not respond to a specific situation, but rather to a sustained trend linked to the deterioration of economic conditions. In this scenario, the local State seeks to expand its response capacity in the face of increasing social demand.
