WHITEHORSE – Social assistance recipients received an increase in their food allowance in January 2009, announced Health and Social Services Minister Glenn Hart.
“The increase in food allowance will help social assistance recipients to have the necessary resources to meet their nutritional needs,” Hart said.
The food portion of the standard benefit increased to $232 a month for a single person, $442 for a family of two and $633 for a family of three. These amounts reflect increases of 15 per cent, 10 per cent and five per cent, respectively.
Shopping for a large family offers savings thanks to buying in bulk, which is why a larger increase goes to smaller families and individuals.
“Basic social assistance, including food, clothing, shelter and utilities, will be indexed annually to the consumer price index in order to ensure that social assistance rates reflect the cost of living,” Hart added. “We are also preparing two guides – Healthy Eating and How to be a Smart Shopper – that will be available from the Department of Health and Social Services.”
The increase comes after consultation with Yukon First Nations and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.
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| Contact: | |
| Roxanne Vallevand Cabinet Communications 867-633-7949 roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca |
Patricia Living Communications, Health & Social Services 867-667-3673 patricia.living@gov.yk.ca |