Islanders on social assistance started getting more money to buy groceries and pay the rent earlier this summer, but the number of clients at the local food bank continues to rise.
Food bank manager Mike MacDonald says the increase will help. (CBC) When CBC News visited the Upper Room Food Bank in Charlottetown Wednesday, a woman in her 60s was there making her monthly visit. She said she appreciates the extra 10 per cent on the cheque for groceries.
"Well, the prices of food are high. It'll get you a couple of extra things," she said.
The increase works out to an extra $60 a month for a family of four, bringing the food and clothing allowance to almost $740. The shelter allowance has increased $40 a month for a family of four.
"Certainly the shelter rates have been a much-talked-about issue as relates to the cost of home heating oil, and electricity and so forth. So we were very pleased to advance those increases," said Bob Creed, director of social programs for the province.
Despite the increases, food bank manager Mike MacDonald said the number of people picking up groceries there has risen 13 per cent over last year, but he adds the increases will be a real benefit to his clients.
"Five and ten per cent are big jumps," he said.
"Unfortunately, the individuals that we see are really living from cheque to cheque and find it a struggle really, each and every month."
While some benefits have increased, others remain unchanged. Child care and travel subsidies have not gone up in the past few years.
