Sudbury Local News - Social assistance recipients need $100 more for food: board of health

Health unit releases 2009 nutritious food basket report

By: Heidi Ulrichsen - Sudbury Northern Life

The Sudbury and District Board of Health gave a little advice to the provincial government after receiving the Sudbury and District Health Unit's annual nutritious food basket report on the local cost of healthy eating Nov. 19.

In a motion, the board said the province should review the feasibility of “an increase to Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Programs, by providing a monthly $100 healthy food supplement to all adults receiving social assistance.”

“I think it's (giving $100 a month in food money to adults on social assistance) a really important solution. We know from this nutritious food basket report that people are short in terms of funding for food,” said Bridget King, a public health nutritionist with the Sudbury and District Health Unit.

“I think people will use that money towards what they need it for. Food is definitely something that they need.”

The motion also calls on the province to “establish a broad-based rent/housing allowance/assistance program for all low-income persons.”

The nutritious food basket report shows that it costs about $187 a week, or $813 per month, to feed a family of four (two parents, two children) in the Sudbury and Manitoulin Districts. It costs about $271 per month to feed a one person living on their own.

However, Ontario Works provides just $1,804 per month for a family of four to live on. After paying $915 in rent, along with the money needed to buy nutritious food, a family on Ontario Works has just $76 left for other necessities that month.

A single person on Ontario Works receives $592 per month. After paying $501 in rent, along with along with the money needed to buy nutritious food, a single person on Ontario Works would be $180 in debt.

The nutritious food basket report is based on an average of what it costs to buy 67 healthy food items in the Sudbury and Manitoulin district. The items are chosen to coincide with what it would take to eat a healthy diet based on the Canada Food Guide.

This year's report cannot be compared to previous years, because the food items have changed slightly to come in line with the updated version of the Canada Food Guide, released in 2007.

However, the 2008 nutritious food basket report for this area showed that it cost about $140.50 a week ($608.37 a month) for a family of four to buy groceries that meet the basic nutritional requirements of each family member.

Dan Xilon, administrator of the Sudbury Food Bank, said he thinks a $100 monthly food supplement for adults on social assistance is a “wonderful idea.”

“We've been supporting this all the way along ourselves,” he said. “It's so appropriate. What's nice is not only would it be used to buy nutritional food, it would also be used to buy a lot of local produce. It would help our own farmers. It's a win-win for everybody.”

Xilon said he's not surprised that people on social assistance are left with very little or nothing at all after rent and food have been purchased. Rent has increased substantially over the last few years, and food has also increased in price, he said.

Layoffs and labour unrest have caused a 32 per cent increase in food bank use in Sudbury in the last six months, said Xilon. In some cases, food banks in outlying communities in the city have seen a 100 per cent increase in use in that time.

“This last month we had 64 new families we had never seen before come through the door. One woman actually said to me 'We've donated to the food bank for years, and now we're using the food bank. I can't believe this',” said Xilon.

“I said to them, 'The nice thing about this is that we're almost like a blood bank. You've donated for years, and now that you need us, we're here to help you.' She felt a lot better after that.”

The health unit is required to produce the nutritious food basket report every year in accordance with Ontario Public Board of Health Standards. King said food prices in Sudbury are generally higher than those in southern Ontario.

The fact that low-income families are having such a difficult time buying nutritious food has an impact on health, said King.

Individuals in food insufficient households are more likely to report poor general health, major depression and distress, and multiple chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and food allergies.

“When you're hungry, it's really hard to boost your immune system and keep healthy. We know there's an increased incidence of chronic disease if you're going hungry. It can really impact your health in a lot of ways. It's really important that we are able to make sure that people are able to eat healthy.”

It's especially important during economic hard times for people with the means to ensure that nobody goes hungry, said Xilon. He asks people to donate to the food bank, or even to invite someone who is down on their luck over for a healthy meal.

The nutritious food basket report can be viewed in full by visiting www.sdhu.com/uploads/content/listings/NutritiousFoodBasket2009-Eng.pdf .

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56 Comments

chopper015 12/9/2009 7:14:34 PM - Report Abuse

Looking through the comments that people have posted in response to this article, I am sad to say some made me sick. For people to write that all mothers/fathers on social assistance put cigarettes/booze before rent, food, and their own children is …more» appalling. I feel personally attacked as a recipent of ODSP. I am a 21 year old mother who is trying to complete high school and struggling financilly. I always put my daughter first and it is very hard to feed my family healthy meals everyday. I always put my daughters need first.

After all nessesities are bought I have maybe $100 left over, that I save in case I run out of something or my daughter gets sick. Winter is here and i can't even afford to by myself a pair of boots so I continue to wear my shoes that have slipt in the seems. Tell me when I have time to go get a job when I am the main caregiver in my family and I go to school?

So unless you have something important to say I think you should keep your stereotypes to yourself and off this website.«less
MAXIMVS-corruptioncentral 11/27/2009 10:19:53 PM - Report Abuse

Judge Judy.........I have to agree with you when you said "I found out that even people who have done well for themselves especially the ones who were born with a silver spoon in their mouth very often don't have any more integrity than the …more» lifetime welfare recipients" ...... Unfortunately in Sudbury...the more money you have the more credible you are. Something like the political scene where votes have been known to be bought.
Person...Anybody critizizing CAS you call them a moron and idiot . Then you speak of an informed opinion?.. Then, anybody that has an "opinion" that Sudbury CAS is corrupted you call them an idiot. A moron and an idiot.....Curran and person who thinks the world is 9-5 and do not know the meaning of having differnent opinions.
Curran...And everybody should just conform to your rules...your hours....and the CAS right? You and person should both drive off in the sunset together...and maybe we all may be lucky enough that you both fall in one of the Greedier City Of Sudbury's many sinkholes.
Curran and Person... There are people making money off the poor....including foodbanks. Some people on social assistance with drug dependance problems are required to pay for treatments such as methodone. ..the cost of approx. $220. People making money off our kids too.
What the hell does your comment have to do with a hard working woman and educaton? I think the general consensus here is that both you are CAS "lobbyists" who do not want to see any changes in Sudbury's social policies...namely CAS accounatbility. As for who is the moron and idiot...some things just go without saying.«less
sandman 11/25/2009 10:43:57 AM - Report Abuse

this w=elfare sytems need to be reworked before more money is given to anyone!
Fisrt, you need to seperate the the truly unemployable from the lazy intitles easy riders and cut them right off!!!

If this types need another 100 for food there are jobs …more» out there to give them a more than a welfare cheque, but you actually have to work for it so it will be less appealing to them for sure.
this will leave room for more money to go to the folks who need it and ARE actually unemplyable.
I agree that this should go to the folks who truly need it and that is it. this is should not be a bonus for everyone & anyone who can stand in line!!!!!!!
the sad part of this all is that the lazy, entitled, degenerate, & criminal types who abuse this system. They're taking away from the ones who truly need this service for which I gladly provide with my tax dollars.
we just have to trim the fat on this program FIRST!!!«less
ChrisRedfield 11/24/2009 8:31:16 PM - Report Abuse

I can't see them doing this, but like I said in a previous post, they should at least pay for a basic phone line. Without a phone number how is someone supposed to find a job or possibly go back to school so they can better themselves and get off the …more» system? A no-frills phone line will run you about $35 to $40 a month.

Also, not sure how other cities work, but here in London, those on Ontario Works get a 'free' bus pass if they're looking for work or attending school. Is it the same up there in Sudbury?«less
Bill 11/23/2009 10:03:41 PM - Report Abuse

Next year Daltons planning to improve everyones lives when he impliments the HST.He has convinced everyone that it's good. If families are hurting now wait till July. Almost everything will cost them more. They are concerned about food. Wait till …more» they see what rents will be increased by to cover just the taxes on utilities.«less
person 11/23/2009 6:15:53 PM - Report Abuse

MAXIMVS-corruptioncentral

Before you go on one of your tangents, why don't you read twice what is written before you make your comments!

My remarks about CAS had to do with an individual I know who uses the system as a monthly income plan! As …more» for the couch-surfing, I was not there personally, however, I watched her struggle to get her life going and crying her eyes out when her boy went to live with HER MOM and DAD, not CAS moron!
You Max then quoted me:
person.....You said the "Canadian child is denied" ? Isnt that just the "politically correct" way of say children are exploited for money by unaccountable, unaccessable government agencies like the CAS? And that the CAS is in bed with the city, police, crown attorney and most other agencies? Then you say "we as a society"... havenet you ever heard the saying that society is only happy when politicians and lawyers listen to the public? You are part of society or part of the problem...what are you doing? Then you said "The father of this child is no where to be found". CAS kidnaps kids...forces them through their programs, and forces them to grow on the system. Taken from parents who enjoyed regular access to their kids.

You idiot! What in the hell does all that crap have to with a hard working woman who made sacrifices to finish her education?!!! And the father of the child does not bother with him or offers to help! He just up and left!

There is a thing called making an informed opinion!«less
curran 11/23/2009 11:18:49 AM - Report Abuse

Oh MAXI you have all the answers don't you? As for posting at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00am, it makes one wonder what you are really doing at the computer during the wee hours. Shift work, ha. Think about it.
2010 11/23/2009 7:43:40 AM - Report Abuse

When I was living on Loan & Grants to pay for my College eduation I had to live in some realle dives. I would always end up with welfare recipients who were single as neighbours. Sometimes I could barely sleep due to their partying. I grew to resent …more» them for the longest time especially when I fell in the bracket of working poor. But I am much older now have a good paying job and living quite comfortably. I have had a chance to experience life and to my dissapointment I found out that even people who have done well for themselves especially the ones who were born with a silver spoon in their mouth very often don't have any more integrity than the "lifetime welfare recipients". Had they not had parents that could afford their post education and in some cases ensure them a job somewhere, they would have been no better. So really what we are arguing about is in which circumstances one was born into.«less
Trey 11/23/2009 3:48:30 AM - Report Abuse

so i sit here and read everyones comments and think to myself wow this is amazing... i was working before when my daughter was 3 years old then they laid me off instead of me quiting or them firing me which was great to me so i had no choice but to go on …more» welfare.. for i had to stay at home and take care of my daughter who was a very sick child in the hospital every night, i was a single parent doing all this my self working with no benifits and what not thank god she has status or i wouldnt have been able to afford much when i was wroking... i did make it fine i got help from welfare while i was working maybe $20 a month but neded the drug card anyways to my point i am now on my husbands dissability and he stays home to take care of my daughter(he stepped up and took her as his own dauhgter) while i work.. sure i might work at walmart part time and love working so i didnt care where i got a job but they take half my pay wich i dont mind at all i kinda understand it they say u get a head but really u not any better working and them taking money off... my daughter has everything that she needs for food wise and clothing... what people have to think about is budgetting and going for deals thats what is good.. u always have to look for deals exspecially when u have a child or children deals on everything exspecially food... just wnated to say my opion... but i knwo a lot of my friends that have children and dont work really makes me sick they just have kids so they dont ahve to work.... with my daughter being sick and all and i still work sure i find it hard a lot of times going to work while her daddy takes care o her and all she wants is me sure its hard but we need the money for food and thats y i do what i do... my husband is very goodwith her and she loves him to death, but i will say that her friends that come over and they are always hungry and what not i feed them as well and make sure they eat healthy and there parents are liek at elast they ahve food over ther«less
working stiff 11/23/2009 1:42:40 AM - Report Abuse

Many social workers grew up being mentored by social workers and as a result they encourage and perpetuate this lifestyle of putting the responsibility of parenting on society rather than on the parents as it secures their job.

Is it not the …more» responsibility of parents to provide for their children by providing nutritional food,suitable lodging and by encouraging good citizenship and work ethic? Yes, it might mean learning to cook rather than buying prepared/frozen TV dinners which are more expensive and less healthy. It might also mean accepting a minimum job and working more than 40 hours per week.

Curran writes "This is Canada we live in here, be thankful as Canadians we are free to make decisions for ourselves. How dare you suggest that the government take total control of peoples' lives." Curran, government already does control many aspects of our life in the belief they are protecting us from ourselves so why shouldn't government protect the poor by forcing them to take money management courses, cooking classes and upgrading and/or courses that will lead to employment.«less
MAXIMVS-corruptioncentral 11/22/2009 10:24:53 PM - Report Abuse

I have witnessed first hand when someone at the Ministry of Community and Social Services (Welfare) in Subury said to me upon finding out I wasnt or ever needed to collect welfare...she said to me sarcastically..."Oh you will be soon". She was …more» in court around 2004 when I voluntariliy increased my child support payments. Its not a secret anymore government is a business. What do we do with the guilty? Some may have been young naive and victms of the times so to speak having recieved only a small amount of the public funding, however they all new what they were risking (getting caught) when they staged events, lied, and caused trauma to children. ...Those that did the manipulating and were in reciept of the billions must be held accounatble, as those who knowing committed the acts against parents and children. Oh for the record...there was a local judge who enquired of the CAS if they were able to record a vist between father and son. The CAS said that they were in fact capable of doing this. At the conclusion of the supposedly recorded visit, Candice Poulin says there will be NO MORE visits...that any access is more detrimental as no access at all. When I asked for a copy of the tape...she replied sarcastically "The judge did not make an order requiring us to tape it"...of course more false affidavits followed...oh ya don Kinsley was at the visit too. Months later, this same judge recused himself from the case...but there have been 3 that just keep playing along (5 years) with CAS despite their corrupted ways.«less
Its Time For A Change 11/22/2009 8:56:03 PM - Report Abuse

I had a woman who rented an appartment from me. she was on assistance, she always complained that her kids father was not paying support and that her " CHECK" was late. Yet she always had cigarettes to smoke ( in the appartment with her kids …more» ther with the window wide open in january on my heat bill) there were no shortage of vex bottles and wine bottles in the blue box and the kids got a brand new power wheels for christmas while i was going broke trying to pay the 400 a month heat bill while recieving no income from the apt ( and 650 all inclusive is not an outrageous) And i called welfare and due to the freedome of information act i could not even talk to them because they wont acknowledge sheys on assistance. And just try to evict a mother with 2 kids who is on welfare you are made to look like the bad guy. Just cause she made bad descisions dosent mean I was supposed to support her and her kids shelter, I have a family to support too.«less
Its Time For A Change 11/22/2009 8:45:38 PM - Report Abuse

Ill have to agree with MAXIMVS on the whole cas thing. I had to deal with Poulin Mickic and her gang, the only way to deal with them and make them see the light is to strong arm them with good lawyering tactics and back them into a corner and make them …more» know that their job is not a secure as they think and that they are not invincible, and the lawers all play golf together and are in the same hockey pools ect. (including mine). For them to tell you that they are mandated to do one thing for over a year and a half then magically they one day seem to see it your way is total bs. Put you through hell. This is off topic but I will have to agree with Maximvs.«less
MAXIMVS-corruptioncentral 11/22/2009 8:18:58 PM - Report Abuse

(continued)...Or do you like to pay for an organization thats recieved over a billion dollars of our tax dollars and breaks the law with no consequence? By your last statemnet "They did what they could by offering to take her son while she lived …more» in a shelter and couch-surfed on several occasions during that three month period"....Looks like you were there watching her. Or is couching surfing something you do?
Its really sad nobody craes in Sudbury...but as long as I do...and others tghat have "shame" everywhere...we will change the system and hold accounatble those CAS agencies who abised the rights of children and parents.«less
MAXIMVS-corruptioncentral 11/22/2009 8:18:17 PM - Report Abuse

(continued)Liberals did the same thing with UIC second carreer program. Interesting I cant remember when the Ministry of transportation last went on strike prior to it being given to city. Or when the UIC program... when it was run by the province …more» running out of money....Seems this city has its own "Provincial Court" too. Goodluck.
person.....You said the "Canadian child is denied" ? Isnt that just the "politically correct" way of say children are exploited for money by unaccountable, unaccessable government agencies like the CAS? And that the CAS is in bed with the city, police, crown attorney and most other agencies? Then you say "we as a society"... havenet you ever heard the saying that society is only happy when politicians and lawyers listen to the public? You are part of society or part of the problem...what are you doing? Then you said "The father of this child is no where to be found". CAS kidnaps kids...forces them through their programs, and forces them to grow on the system. Taken from parents who enjoyed regular access to their kids. Where is our shame you ask? Corrupted politicians, CAS child abusers (workers, judges, lawyers) have no shame...but they do have all of our tax dollars....billions! Then you ask "Who will help the families that are really struggling to take care of their children and keep up with the costs of living? " Well..who will help unite children with their parents? Finally you ask "What freedoms are out there for our impoverished Canadian children?" The freedoms that are out there for our children exist ONLY on paper...meaning the laws,etc. These safegaurds are not put in practice because its more profitable to exploit children and make parents fight for their rights in court. Wasted court time etc... family law is a joke in Sudbury and Ontario...ever see an unemployed lawyer? Dont you think Sudbury CAS should be participating? Or do y«less
MAXIMVS-corruptioncentral 11/22/2009 8:17:35 PM - Report Abuse

curran ....You are one narrow minded or closed off person when you say..."Perhaps if you guys got some sleep you might actually think rationally. Sleeeeeep --- it's really not all that important!" Has it ever occurred to you that the world …more» goes on 24/7? People work shift work, afternoon shift, and people like you dayshift....Some people even work out of their home and can make their own hours. Then there are some who "claim" to work but are in fact politicians who neglect their duty to the public.
old boots ....You said "Maximvs I can understand your frustrations fathers should have equal rights to children but you are taking up your fight with the wrong people meaning Bridget". Where is the CAS on this blog? They are unaccessable to the public. I have no frustrations. You obviouslty confused my efforts with frustrations. Stop focussing on me . What about the children's rights and the children's frustrations and trauma? Equal rights to their children? That is SECONDARY. CAS accounatbility first. As for taking up "my fight with Bridget"...what are you talking about? This is a valid question. Are you her lawyer or something? Part of the "administration? Cant you see the relevance? Don't children go hungry? Are they not raised by parents collecting social assistance? The Sudbury and District Board of Health is funded by whom? Us the tax payer. There is no battle with Bridget...if there is no answer it proves my point. The majority of children affected by CAS and their "services" grow up poor.... raised by parents on social assistance, denied the benefits a working parent can provide...forced to grow upon the system....so if she aint talking to CAS she should be..so children like these can eat healthy.
ChrisRedfield.... Yes Ok thanks...I remember when the Liberals "privatized" part of the Ministry of Transportation here in town (on strike recently)...Liberals did «less
momof3 11/22/2009 7:49:55 PM - Report Abuse

i no a few on walfare and disabilty that use the rent to own places i cant afford these places why should we give them more money so the can go trade in there 42 inch tv for a 50 or get another vidoe game system or laptop come on i think if your on …more» these programs and u can afford tv laptops ect u should lose the money your payng out to rent to own till ur the one making the money to pay for them«less
person 11/22/2009 3:38:29 PM - Report Abuse

***These people that arrive in our country and do not go about the proper process of applying for entry, often do not pay back into what we give to them so freely***Where is our shame? Who will help the families that are really struggling to take care of …more» their children and keep up with the costs of living? What freedoms are out there for our impoverished Canadian children?«less
person 11/22/2009 3:34:08 PM - Report Abuse

Continued....I wrote "Her parents were in financial way to help her pay for school." Her parents were in no financial way to help her. Her dad was a mechanic for a local garage and her mom worked at convenience store. They did what they could …more» by offering to take her son while she lived in a shelter and couch-surfed on several occasions during that three month period.«less
person 11/22/2009 3:27:20 PM - Report Abuse

Continued...I know of some people in the sudbury area that have quit their good paying jobs so that they could go on assitance and live in geared to income homes. Is there drugs/alcohol involved, YES! Has the problem been reported, YES! And guess what!!! …more» Welfare and CAS gave a 12 to 24 hour notice before they arrived. Guess who pays the price? Other than the taxpayers, the children! There are some recipients that are receiving $2000/month before CCTB and GST! (A family of four that I know of.) They are getting this much because the worker stated that they do not live close enough for public transportation, therefore, they are unemployable. (Vermillion, Morgan Road, Gordon Lake Road, and other roads do not have trans cab or bus access.) It just blows my mind because there are mothers that I personally know of, who busted their butts to find a job or get an education and were told that they either quit work/school, or lose their assistance! The one that I am referring to, was only receiving $200/month and was set to graduate from post secondary within three months! The extra $200 put food on the table, while her min. wage job covered the rent and her schooling. (Her parents were in financial way to help her pay for school.) She did not have a phone or cable T.V., and walked everywhere or took a bus! There are plenty of women out there like that and they get spit on! When she finally finished, after sending her child to live with her mom, as she got cut off from assistance and lived in a shelter, she received a bill stating that she had to pay back what was given to her. The father of this child? No where to be found to this very day!! She is just one of many in Sudbury and the rest of Canada, that go through this! Lucky for her, she got to finish. How many don't? How many fathers are out there taking care of their children because mom decided she's done with her family life? Who helps these families while five star motels and nutritious meals are fed to *non-r«less
person 11/22/2009 3:03:09 PM - Report Abuse

What I don't understand, and refuse to comprehend, is how we, as Canadians, can allow 76 men from a boat that snuck into Canadian waters, to live in a five star hotel (for their own safety according to the immigrations. I called and had them confirm …more» that to me.) and feed these buggers while the feds confirm if they are a security risk to Canada? BTW, for those who are not aware, this is not the only boat to arrive as such. There was another boat in June 2009 and do not forget the 365 that were found on a ship in 2006, and the immigrations department has lost contact with approx. 185 of those people. We live in one of the richest countries in the world and Canadian children, everyday, die to poverty like situations. It is nice to blame the parents of these children, but like it or not, we as a society, are responsible for the future of these kids! Who is going to lead the country in future years to come? Who will pay taxes when we die? Do you honestly believe that all the immigrants to Canada will pay the taxes that are associated to the costs of Canadian freedom? Most of these people take advantage of having the identity of being Canadian, then return to their homelands to raise their children, then return to Canada when their children are old enough to attend secondary schooling as they are entitled to grants. (Good ones too, which the impoverished Canadian child is denied!) Don't believe me?! Look it up. There are some serious diseases out there on Canadian streets: Tuburculosis, Hepititas, Maluntrition, Exploitation, etc...Our Canadian impoverished children die to these things or forms of the above everyday, not to mention gangs. Parents do need to be educated, thats true, however, we need to stop rewarding system abuse as well.«less
ChrisRedfield 11/22/2009 11:52:25 AM - Report Abuse

Old Boots, you're allowed to have up to 500 dollars in savings, but I have more than that. I just haven't told them about it. If you own a car that's worth more than, (I think) $1,000 you're supposed to sell that and then live off what …more» you get from that.

MaximVS, yes I was talking about the second careers. It used to be run by the feds, and you and you had to wait until your EI was all used up before you could even apply. It was then transfered to the provinces. I was told about the funding running dry by my the lady that's handling my application. But the second careers will hopefully be back on in the new year.

I originally was going to be starting at the end of November, and then moving away from London to Sudbury once my training is complete.

As for why I want to move, that's a whole other story, but basically I need a fresh start.

It just sucks because it's almost a vicious cycle for me, crummy job after crummy job, EI, crummy job, O/W, rinse, repeat. Nobody has hired directly anymore for years, only through temp services which make the already rich agencies even more rich, while us workers get poorer.«less
2010 11/22/2009 9:32:53 AM - Report Abuse

@ChrisRedfield, I thought you weren't allowed to have any savings if you are on welfare or disability pension as a matter of fact I was even told you have to own a car which is less than a certain value? Is this true?
p.s. Good luck to you and …more» don't feel guilty or shameful of having to accept help.«less
curran 11/22/2009 8:14:26 AM - Report Abuse

Perhaps if you guys got some sleep you might actually think rationally. Sleeeeeep --- it's really not all that important!
MAXIMVS-corruptioncentral 11/22/2009 4:32:46 AM - Report Abuse

Hey Bridget...as the nutritionist for the Sudbury and District Board of Health, I thought you might have some insight as to why the Sudbury Children's Aid Society would deprive children of responsible working parents and the food and other benefits …more» working parents can provide? If there is no response from you I can only assume you both are working together and the result is families that are dependant on the system so that your numbers can grow.«less
Grouchy 11/22/2009 3:27:56 AM - Report Abuse

Max,this is the second time you have personaly attacked my comments rather than debate the topic !
"some just dont have the skills to be responsibe...I wont refer to the many that you lack"
I will kindly advise you to pick your battles …more» wisely.«less
MAXIMVS-corruptioncentral 11/22/2009 1:41:12 AM - Report Abuse

(from another post) Rennaya and curran ...No need to over analyse how public donations "might" be better utilized? Why not? You said the agencies have rent to pay, utilities to pay, first aid supplies, bedding, cost of heat and renting places …more» when themore» temperature drops etc...Well...now you are speaking about the homeless people. As I recal the city had numerous motel rooms that the city pays for year round for such instances and thanks for telling me there is more to running a food bank than the cost of food and that there are operating costs as well. However... it might be in the publics better interest to find less expensive ``operators`` and implement the obvious ways of reducing costs so that that needy can benefit even more. Who are the 45 landords that recieve this "rent" every year. Wouldnt it have been better for the foodbank to buy a property(s)? I assume when you say ``most of us of us doubt whether or not I have anything useful to say, and actually do anything to help others``...I can only assume you are referring to to those who refuse to implemet positive changes to any current government agencyépolicy in this city. As for me help others...I lobbied for positive changes provincilly that have already been implememnted with more to come....especieally Sudbury`s and Ontario`s Children`s Aid Societies. It seems to me that people like you have been helping themselves before helping others far too long....or maybe not... There is always room for improvement and accountability....especially when it involves the public and the services they provide and recieve«less
MAXIMVS-corruptioncentral 11/22/2009 1:31:01 AM - Report Abuse

ChrisRedField...are you talking about the secoond carreer program and funding that the province transfered locally?
MAXIMVS-corruptioncentral 11/22/2009 1:28:23 AM - Report Abuse

(continued)...namely the government, its responsibilty to the peolpe and your lazy thinking. I so gald you are the copy and paste queen and nobody is speaking for you...now if we can only get YOU to be quiet or speak intellegently.
Curran and …more» workingstiff...As a result of poor money management and other skills, this type of "lifestyle" is is a learned in the home and passed onto other generations. If nothing changes, these kids grow up, have kids of their own and a second generation is now dependant on the system. Certain government agencies are "create" victims to ensure there are future generations for the services they provide. Havent you ever come across a second or third generation of people dependant on the system? It becomes a way of life for generations until the cycle is broken or something changes... Preferably the latter. In the mean time governemt grows...money is the incentive to create victims for more funding. Curran...You said "How dare you suggest that the government take total; control of peoples' lives. If that's what you want, there are countries for you, (not Canada.) "....You are very easy to see through. Since you are refusing to discuss the services in Sudbury because you are smart enough to know its a "no contest" ie CAS... GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO TAKE CONTROL AND EDUCATE those requiring the skills to be self sufficient...money management, cooking, etc. If the reciepient dont attend classes then no welfare check. If you havent noticed...governemt is FORCING services to people not requiring it...trying to make people to "conform" You sound like a real piece of something ... As for being thankful to live in Canada....speak for yourself because I wouldnt say half the stupid things that you do.«less
MAXIMVS-corruptioncentral 11/22/2009 1:27:24 AM - Report Abuse

GeoStink...I never once said to keep food from people so that they might become responsible....some just dont have the skills to be responsibe...I wont refer to the many that you lack. Food is something you put in your mouth and eat...not your own words …more» which you will soon be get tired of eating. My reading is just fine...its my spelling that that some said made what I said irrevelant. Just to give you an idea what kind if fluff heads we have in this city. And wallbanger there will always be the few who will abuse the system.
Old boots...I ve said a country as wealthy as Canada should have free education and health care in many posts...to answer your questions," And why do we keep giving large companies tax breaks all the time and no average citizen complains yet as soon as helping out the poor is mentioned everyone gets upset. This is crazy!" Please speak for yourself...Im no t upset. It because we keep voting for politicians who refuse to hold big business or their agencies accounatble...agencies and corporations including the food bank and CAS that operate under the guise of a charity. Oldboots We cant agree on anything...first of all post secondary school should be free to all who have achieved a certain grade and nobody gets denied an eductaion because they are "poor" there is OSAP and other grants and loans available for those willing to go in debt. Finally...What about those kids from well off parents? So what if their parents arranged a job for them? Put yourself in their shoes...it takes a certain type of person to accept that job and still expect to be treated the same as someone who actually earned it (not sayng they didnt). I glad that telling yourself that "life just isnt fair" appeases your sense fairness and that our affairs should continue on the same old way.. The only answer is that the cycle must be broken through mandatory skill development or something changes....namely the government, its responsibil«less
ChrisRedfield 11/22/2009 1:12:20 AM - Report Abuse

I'm currently on O/W and was using it as a buffer from the time my EI ran out, til school would start for me. Too bad for me though things got messed around and I have to wait until March to attend training now. That is, if second careers is even …more» still going to happen after they blew through all their money in half the time they had money alloted for.

Anyways, I guess it's a good thing for me I'm in subsidized housing. While things are far from perfect, it sure beats not being able to make rent or having to choose between food or rent.

It's also a good thing I have money saved away, otherwise 216 a month to pay for groceries AND a phone, just wouldn't happen.

I think at the very least, they should pay for a basic phone line. Let's be real, you can't get a job unless you have a phone, but the O/W people in all their infinite wisdom claim it to be a luxury.

Blasphamy I say!«less
working stiff 11/22/2009 12:30:44 AM - Report Abuse

Geoex I have to concur with your last comment. Throwing money at welfare recipients just doesn't work. Vouchers can work if they are not exchanged for cash to be used for other purposes. This has happened in the past.
noone 11/21/2009 3:22:09 PM - Report Abuse

Why do you people insist on blaming the poor for taxes and such when the government wastes ten times the social assistance budget on foolish extravagances?

I guess it's just easier to blame the less fortunate than actually think for yourselves.
Grouchy 11/21/2009 2:00:51 PM - Report Abuse

Through all these post one thing seems to be rearing its ugly head..some parents are in reverse role as they are depending on their children to supply the means for substaining the Family.Under the existing structure the Government throwing more money at …more» some low income families does not necessarily solve the problem. More money may be seen as more of something else other than food. A program needs to be put in place that would gaurentee kids would be recieving healthy food.Actual "cash" should be a reward for working,otherwise it should all be vouchers.«less
2010 11/21/2009 10:10:16 AM - Report Abuse

Can we agree with one thing? Shouldn't post secondary be free for an x amount of students with good grades. I know there are some scholarships but very few of them. A lot of youths get denied education because they are poor yet they are smart and …more» have a lot of potential. And if you say where there is a means there is a way well what about some young people who not only had their university education paid by their "well off" parents but they also had an automatic entrance into our infamous mining company because one of their parents worked there. I guess life was never meant to be fair.«less
curran 11/21/2009 10:05:32 AM - Report Abuse

Just listen to yourselves. "The government should force welfare recipients------". This is Canada we live in here, be thankful as Canadians we are free to make decisions for ourselves. How dare you suggest that the government take total …more» control of peoples' lives. If that's what you want, there are countries for you, (not Canada.)«less
working stiff 11/21/2009 9:34:01 AM - Report Abuse

Geoex writes "CHILDREN are not responsible for their social status in Society " Geoex I completely agree. The responsibility lies with their parents and if their parents are unable to support them then they stop be having them as it is the only …more» responsible thing to do. That is what is wrong, people feel they should have a truckload of children and society should pay for their upkeep. I'm sure they can save $1/per week by spending less on cigarettes, booze, and cell phones and at the end of the year they'll have $52 for a gift for their child which I believe is more than enough as a Christmas gift. Personally, I never had help from my parents nor from government . My parents had lost everything they owned ( house, furniture) in a forest fire but through hard work , perserverance and good money management skills they succeeded. If welfare recipients were to receive an extra $100/mo from government, I doubt it would be all used for buying nutritional food . The government should force welfare recipients to take money management courses and cooking classes so they would be able to manage with the dollars they now receive. In conclusion I must say all of us have difficulty in paying our mortgage payments, our utility bills, our food bills, our car payments and our taxes but with proper money management skills it can be done.«less
2010 11/21/2009 8:32:59 AM - Report Abuse

I have been in the class of working poor long long time ago and I can remember I had an absess tooth that I could not afford to take care of. After a few weeks I told my parents and they sent me a check to cover it and reprimanded me for not mentioning …more» it earlier. I was lucky I had parents who could cared and could afford but what about the people who don't have anyone to help them out? And why do we keep giving large companies tax breaks all the time and no average citizen complains yet as soon as helping out the poor is mentioned everyone gets upset. This is crazy! it almost seems like everyone is standing on a pedestal. Well believe me you will be knocked off this pedestal one day because our economy is going to get a lot worst, a lot worst!«less
wallbanger 11/21/2009 8:18:04 AM - Report Abuse

should be more screening with welfare receiptants concerning addictions cigs and booze. i know someone personally who pays 22$ for a pack of cigs,delivered by taxi. the corner store is only 600 yards away. once that hst is brought in will be more …more» hardship.poverty will always be here. in spite of governments saying or promising or ending poverty«less
Grouchy 11/21/2009 2:55:14 AM - Report Abuse

Not sure how you interperated my spread the Government wealth comment to mean enabling people to not work..? My comment maybe sailed over a fews head that the vouchers would be used by people with a lower income. Which would include people working for a …more» lower wage.
CHILDREN are not responsible for their social status in Society ! Does that mean they are not worthy of healthy food,shelter,winter clothing and God forbid Christmas presents? Maybe Working stiff you'd rather bus these kids out of town and turn them out to fend for themselves? $10.50 an hour x 40 hour week..$420 a week before deductions..x 4 wouldn't even be $1400 a month take home. Im sure you might be glad for the raise but for a family paying $1000 a month in rent it doesn't leave much to live on. Keeping healthy food from lower income families is not the answer to encouraging families to be responsible.«less
working stiff 11/21/2009 12:29:54 AM - Report Abuse

I'll preface my remarks by saying some people do need assistance if they are mentally challenged, disabled, single parents seeking an education and/or a flood/fire victim. Why are we always enabling these street people to stay where they are in life? …more» If we give them housing, food both unprepared and prepared, winter clothing, Christmas presents for their kids, breakfast for their kids, tax credits and refunds and welfare cheques there is no reason for them to seek a job. Minimum wage now pay $9.75/h and will go up to $10.50 next summer. Everyone of us who is successful started at the bottom and worked our way up the ladder; however if we keep enabling welfare recipients they will opt for the easy life of not working and taking responsibility for themselves and their families.«less
Grouchy 11/20/2009 8:56:43 PM - Report Abuse

Why not spread the Government wealth around a bit..? I think it would benifit far more people if the healthy food was subsidized ! Milk,cheese,juice,chicken,fish,fruit.I don't know how some people can afford milk for a growing family.Have it so …more» anyone under a certain income could get vouchers for so much off each purchase..that way it wouldn't be cash spent on booze or take out and everyone who needed it would benifit.Someone working for minimum wage is discouraged from working because they have less benifits than if they were on welfare.«less
2010 11/20/2009 7:59:10 PM - Report Abuse

@Sir and I suppose all these jobs were at minimum wage and probably part time, heck we wouldn't want the working poor to have any benefits would we!
losinghope 11/20/2009 7:33:00 PM - Report Abuse

Curran, don't be stupid. Haven't you heard of something called CCTB???
curran 11/20/2009 6:55:59 PM - Report Abuse

After rent losinghope, you live on $98. a month and that includes food? I don't think so. If you do, the CAS needs to step in.
losinghope 11/20/2009 6:19:51 PM - Report Abuse

Social assistance for a 4 person family isn't $1804/month, it's actually $1098/month.

I really don't think people on assistance really need an extra $100 per month. I feed a family of 4 on the assistance we get and our rent is a …more» thousand bucks a month. We don't drink or do drugs. Things are tight but people on assistance aren't supposed to be living large, it's only there to provide for the basics.«less
SirGalahad 11/20/2009 6:11:54 PM - Report Abuse

It's too easy to get on social assistance, and too cushy to get off. I'm not begrudging those that need it, but it's not supposed to be a lifestyle. I was just checking the Sudbury Job bank, and there are TONS of jobs at places like Tim …more» Hortons, McDonalds, etc... as well as contracting and others. People are too proud to do menial work. Maybe, after being on welfare for 3 -6 months they should be forced to work where they are told.«less
2010 11/20/2009 5:56:01 PM - Report Abuse

@whitefishguy I used to be in the same situation, low paying job, no benefits while living in the 3rd most expensive city in Ontario. I did it 'cause I was honest and did not know any better. If I was ever put in that position again I would go on …more» welfare at least you have dental care and your drugs are paid for. But object to the fact that welfare recipients will receive an extra $100 instead of questioning your government why the minimum wages are so low? And why only part time jobs are offered etc...«less
Don S. 11/20/2009 5:52:58 PM - Report Abuse

Welfare should be an emergency stop gap program not a multi-generation lifestyle. I say give it to them for 3 months then your off the system . 90 days should be more than enough time to find a job any job to SUPPORT THEMSELVES!!
MAXIMVS-corruptioncentral 11/20/2009 5:05:48 PM - Report Abuse

One good way of getting Liberal votes...reminds me of a lobby group.
whitefishguy 11/20/2009 5:03:25 PM - Report Abuse

I have no issue with social assistance, I don't believe everyone one it is a drug addict, but I'm still wondering why it pays higher than minumum wage. I make more than minimum and have 2 kids and my take home, after taxes, works out to less than …more» if I was on Social assistance according to this. So shouldn't I be entitled to a free $100 for food as well? More infact since I make less than $1800 a month? Because if I can, then I totally support this, if not well, the choice I've made to work 40 hours a week is obviously not the financially beneficial one.«less
curran 11/20/2009 4:11:59 PM - Report Abuse

I agree with you old turtle, it's always the weak and vulnerable that are easy targets for some. These same individuals claim to know all about the devious behaviour of some of the recipients of these vouchers and I quote, "I can see a lot of …more» these food vouchers 100$ being sold for 50$ to buy booze smokes and dope".

Yet not one mention of our Government fat cats' devious behaviour to buy booze smokes and dope on our dime. Go
figure.«less
Motorboat 11/20/2009 3:48:59 PM - Report Abuse

Instead of giving out more money to help the poor, why arent we fixing the problems in society that lead to poverty.

#1 Having kids is a very attractive prospect when one doesnt have employment or education due to the fact that it guarentees an income …more» either through social services, child support, and child tax. A single mother raising 2 children can access close to $1500 monthly with welfare and child tax combined without having to work a day, most people earning minimum wage cannot even hope to bring home such an amount. To a drug addict this a potential gold mine.

#2 The government dictates that one needs to hae a high school education in order to secure a good job and most employers want college for entry level positions. So the bar is set fairly high compared to what it used to be. Most people either cant afford post secondary or have trouble in high school so they give up thinking they will never get anywhere. Now while you might say it was their own choice, remember that they made these choices when they were too young to know the consequences. Better access to secondary education for adults should be made available and more affordable post secondary should as well. The more options you have for success the less excuses you will have to be on the system.

We should also be teaching students about the consequences of their life choices at an early age and continuously embed this into them througout their schooling, classes that teach young people about money management, life management, child raising, taxes, and consequences of living off the system should be rolled up into one class and taught every year and semester and be given more importance than say language classes. Teaching these skills used to be the job of the parents but in this consumer driven, 2 income familiy, party on society we have created most parents either dont have time, dont care, or dont know. Somebody has to start doing it because most people growing up these days doesnt know A«less
2010 11/20/2009 3:17:03 PM - Report Abuse

I honestly don't understand your reasoning. The government spends money in very foolish ways. They lavish themselves in as many ways as they can as most fat cats do and no one complains or too lazy to do something about it. But when the little guy is …more» down, everyone would like to come out with a stick and beat them over the head. I know there is some abuse but if let's say 60% people spend this 100$ wisely on good quality food, then it was worth it. And yes unfortunately it is coming out of our taxes so if you don't like it do something about it.«less
bcarefulwutuwish4 11/20/2009 2:43:38 PM - Report Abuse

I agree food vouchers are the way to go i'm not saying all are dope fiends or boozers but i know theres a large number. Lets face it the cab companies in this city make most of their fares around the 1st of the month people running out to the bars or …more» going for beer.«less
Its Time For A Change 11/20/2009 2:10:51 PM - Report Abuse

I hope they give it out as food vouchers and not cash. Where are they getting the rent stats from. Geared to income sudbury housing is cheaper than putting gas in my car for a month. If these people would be in 180 $ in debt how are they surviving …more» ???????? The numbers dont add up. These peoples rent dose not go up when others do ( and its not high to begin with) , they are immune to property taxes, some cases heat and hydro increases. I can see alot of these food vouchers 100 $ being sold for 5o $ to buy booze smokes and dope. Why are they not asking for people on EI to have an extra 100$ oh yeh because people on EI are there because they actually worked for a living. Why Help those who wont help themselves and not those who are actually down on their luck and unemployed. Our government is BACKWARDS>> Helping those with medical conditions, one parent familes trying to get an education or disabled people that cant work is fine with me. But when people are ok with living off the system they are not out trying to get and education or trying to look for a job, I for one cant stand that . And the Governemnt will just give them more money what a great idea to motivate people to get off Ontario works. No wonder they have to do this HST thing because the govt needs more money to pay for those who leech off the system.«less

Social assistance recipients need $100 more for food: board of health

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