“Many, however, returned home empty handed” - Cartoon critical of the basket of goods distribution policy

100 days after his election, Hassan Rouhani  said: “The Government will provide something small this year for people in low-income tiers. God willing, we hope to present people with two packages of staples for the low-income tiers by the end of this (Iranian) year (ends March 20, 2014).” But amid high inflation and growing unemployment rates, and a failing economy caused by mismanagement, on February 2 the Government started distributing the free rations of staples, consisting of one 20-pound bag of rice, two packages of feta cheese, two bottles of cooking oil, two frozen whole chickens, and 24 eggs, to a narrowly defined group of Iranians. Thousands of people lined up before 7:00 a.m. in sub-zero temperatures, rain, and snow in Iranian cities to collect their packages. Many, however, returned home empty handed after hours of waiting in line, having learned that they do not qualify for the government gift.  Related