Financial difficulties suffered by so many families have led a growing number of councils to open up school canteens through the summer, offering meals. The principal aim is to guarantee that children in need get at least one square meal per day. A total of 39 councils are involved, with Lisbon and Sintra leading the way, each providing over 80 meals a day. In the Algarve, Faro, Olhão, Loulé, VRSA and Vila do Bispo are also taking part, but on a much smaller scale.