Community members receiving Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) may be eligible to receive additional money for food items every month. In 2004, the cost of feeding a family of four (see Budgeting for Food worksheet to find out how much it should cost to feed yourself/family) in the Thunder Bay District was $572.60 a month. The current OW/ODSP rates are too low for recipients to feed themselves after attending to other basic necessities such as rent and transportation costs.
|
Living Costs |
Monthly Income for a Family of 4 - $1178 |
|
Rent 2 bedroom apartment |
- $672.00 |
|
Cost of Food |
-572.60 |
|
Amount Remaining |
-$66.60 |
The remaining negative balance doesn't allow the family to pay for other essentials such as toiletries, clothing, telephone bills and transportation.
Since heat and hydro bills need to be paid on time, food is often seen as the only flexible budget line and therefore the family's health and wellbeing suffer. You can see how extra money would help this family to feed themselves better.
Although many health professionals and social service providers know that social assistance recipients are unable to afford enough food let alone nutritious food, sometimes providers are not aware of the special dietary funds available to clients. Physicians, Registered Dietitians, Registered Nurses (extended class), and Registered Midwives (pregnancy/breastfeeding and infant diets only) can prescribe special diets for social assistance recipients. The Special Diet Allowance is a discretionary income benefit available to all OW/ODSP recipients. One of the medical professionals listed above must complete an application on the recipient's behalf and it is then reviewed by income support managers.
For a tip sheet for health professionals visit www.nwhu.on.ca
To find out about the special dietary supplement see www.ocap.ca
Click here to see the Budgeting for Food worksheet for 2004