March 10, 2009 - Today, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit joined with community agencies to support a provincial campaign calling on the government of Ontario to introduce a $100 Healthy Food Supplement for all adults on social assistance in the upcoming provincial budget. 

The most recent analysis on the cost of nutritious food in the District of Thunder Bay indicates that people on social assistance are having to choose between paying the rent and buying food, are sending children to school without breakfast or lunch, and are relying on food banks for survival.  This $100 Healthy Food Supplement will mean less visits to already over-stretched, volunteer-run food banks and will help people live with dignity.

Janine Black, Thunder Bay District Health Unit Director of Health Promotion, explained that good health is impossible without healthy food, and called for action to support people in distress.

“We know that, as income falls, so does health status. This initiative will put healthier foods within reach of families living on social assistance.” 
  
Gwen O’Reilly, of the Thunder Bay Economic Justice Committee, said social assistance rates are so far beneath the standard of living, that many recipients are going hungry.

“The proposed rate increases are too little, and too slow,” she stated. “An immediate $100 monthly subsidy would demonstrate that the Provincial Poverty Reduction Strategy is not just a vague commitment to a principle, but that it is actually intended to provide concrete support to people in need.”

The provincial campaign for a $100 Healthy Food Supplement is led by the Association of Local Public Health Agencies and the 25 in 5 Network for Poverty Reduction.  A website has been set up to support the provincial campaign at www.25in5.ca. 

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